In Ohio, an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness, has reached 397 confirmed cases. As of Monday, the illness has been reported in 57 of Ohio’s 88 counties and remains highly concentrated in northwest Ohio.
In central Ohio, Franklin County has recorded 18 cases. Health officials expect the number to rise in the next few weeks.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite that causes explosive diarrhea, nausea, cramping and fatigue, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
The illness is transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. On average, it takes about one week for people to show symptoms. Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said the symptoms can come back even after people first get over them.
“The culprits are most often things like leafy greens, berries, herbs, that were contaminated at their source. It's then spread by people eating that contaminated produce. So, when we then see an outbreak, and as we are seeing, we begin pointing people back to some very basic food preparation practices,” Dr. Vanderhoff said.
The parasite normally thrives in tropical climates, Dr. Vanderhoff explained, so this outbreak may be traced back to imported food. It is hard to identify the source of the outbreak due to the delay in symptoms.
He said people should still buy nutritious produce, but should properly clean their food products. He emphasized firm fruits, like melons, should be scrubbed with a clean brush to not drag germs into the fruit.
The ODH recommends that people wash their hands before preparing raw fruits and vegetables, wash produce under running water and prepared produce should be eaten or refrigerated quickly.
Cyclosporiasis itself is not an uncommon disease, said Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts, as there have been previous cases over the last three years.
"I am always concerned when we have an outbreak. Fortunately, this is something that is not new to us, and there are antibiotics and treatment that individuals who do become infected with cyclopsoriasis can get treated with and can get cared for,” Dr. Roberts said.
Dr. Roberts explained the number of cases is likely higher than reported, as many may choose not to receive medical treatment. She advised anyone who suspects they are sick with cyclosporiasis or possible symptoms to seek medical attention in order to receive proper care.
