Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory to public health practitioners about a recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis affecting several Midwestern states, including Ohio. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a single-celled parasite called Cyclospora, which can cause stomach pain and frequent bouts of diarrhea in the infected person. Connect Clermont reached out to health experts at Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) and HealthSource of Ohio to determine its potential risk to residents.
Cyclospora (CDC)
Cyclospora can contaminate produce and drinking water, which can then infect the small intestine, causing bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. According to the FDA, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to over a week.
Public health agencies are currently working to better understand the source of this outbreak. However, Dr. Holly Binning, Chief Medical Officer of HealthSource of Ohio, discourages residents from panicking.
“While we are seeing more cases of cyclosporiasis this year than in previous years, it is not a new problem. We see cases every year in the U.S., most commonly between May 1 and August 31,” Dr. Binning said.
The CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 cases that may or may not be linked to domestically sourced cyclosporiasis. These reports are notably higher than the 249 cases reported nationally by this same time last year, according to the recent Health Advisory.
HealthSource of Ohio in Loveland
Fortunately, residents can significantly reduce their risk of infection by simply practicing safe food handling.
“It is not transmitted from person to person,” Dr. Binning stated. “It comes from eating contaminated food, usually fresh produce. The good news is that it is treatable and most people do not have to be hospitalized.”
Cyclosporiasis typically resolves on its own within a few days. Clinicians typically recommend at-home treatments, such as rest and hydration.
“You can drink things like Gatorade or Powerade to replace fluids and electrolytes. However, you should be careful of only drinking them as they contain significant amounts of sugar and can make symptoms worse. You should alternate with plain water. Avoid caffeinated beverages as caffeine can irritate the gut and also increase your urine output, making you more dehydrated,” Dr. Binning recommended.
At the time of this publication, health officials have reported very few cases in Southwest Ohio, with only around two dozen confirmed infections, primarily in Hamilton County.
34 states have reported confirmed cases since the outbreak began. This number is likely due to the widespread distribution of a contaminated harvest.
Health officials are working together across state lines to eliminate potential risks to public safety and have begun to recall produce that may be linked to the outbreak. Taylor Farms, a prominent packaged produce distributor, recalled central Mexico iceberg lettuce and salad mixes in response.
Photo: Market BasketJenn Bauer, CNP with Clermont County Public Health, offered advice to minimize the risk of infections after buying produce from local markets.
“Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running water, practicing good hand hygiene, drinking only safe, treated water, and following basic food safety habits are all effective steps people can take to protect their health,” Bauer said.
According to the CDC, cooking can also kill the parasite before it has a chance to infect humans. Since washing alone cannot guarantee removal of Cyclospora, cooking produce to at least 158 °F (70 °C) can destroy the parasite before consumption.
“Residents should be aware of symptoms like prolonged or watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and they should contact their healthcare provider if symptoms persist longer than a few days. Cyclosporiasis is a treatable illness, and most people recover fully.” Bauer stated.
The risk of cyclosporiasis and other parasite-related illnesses, such as Lyme disease, increases during the summer months.
In rural and woodland ecosystems common throughout Clermont County, failing to maintain proper outdoor safety and food hygiene can put residents at risk. CCPH reminds residents to check for ticks and other pests that may be hiding in their camping gear or on pets to minimize the potential of spreading vector-borne illnesses.
Physicians can help patients identify possible parasitic infections through routine check-ups. They also maintain reliable vaccination programs to protect against viral infections during the back-to-school season.
CCPH accepts most insurance plans at Back-to-School Immunization Clinics. Physicians will not turn children away for inability to pay.
Residents can schedule their child’s appointment now by visiting ClermontHealthOhio.gov/immunizations or calling (513) 735-8400.
Follow Connect Clermont for more local public health updates.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here