The ‘explosive’ diarrhea outbreak has affected over 1,400 people: Recommendations to stay safe
Ohio Department of Health is urging residents to wash fresh fruits and vegetables after reports of rising food-borne infections in the state.
Cases of cyclosporiasis in humans were was practically unheard of in the western world until relatively recently. But cases of the food-borne infection which caused chronic diarrhea have been surging in several states across the east coast.
As of this week, 681 cases of infection were reported in Michigan - cases remain the highest in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland and Livingston counties.
In Cleveland, Ohio, 177 people were diagnosed with cyclospora across the state - most of them withing the last month. In New York 81-160 people were reported to have symptoms.
Cyclospora infections are localized - people became sick after eating food within the United States, none traveled outside of the country during the 14 days before they got sick.
Patients range in age from 5 to 88 years - 59% are female. A total of 86 people have been hospitalized with the infection but fortunately no deaths have been reported.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite, cyclospora cayetanensis. It is more commonly known as ‘traveler’s diarrhea’. People can become infected after consuming feces-contaminated food or water that contains the parasite.
Symptoms include: watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal bloating and cramping, fatigue, and low-grade fever.
The incubation period in the host is typically around a week, and if not treated, illness can last from a few days to over a month. Most people with healthy immune systems will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment.
How Cyclosporiasis is treated
Cyclosporiasis is treated orally with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic which is sold as Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra, SMZ-TMP Pediatric, Sulfatrim. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids is also advised if you are experiencing diarrhea.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Cyclospora infection, call your healthcare provider immediately.
How to prevent Cyclospora
It is not known how Cyclospora gets into food and water but taking extra care when handling food and vegetables will reduce your chances of infection.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating. Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (do not leave outside the fridge for longer than two hours).
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