The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a team of "disease detectives" to Ohio to help investigate a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly linked to contaminated lettuce that has ravaged
Ohio and the U.S. throughout July. The investigators are expected to remain in the state for about three weeks.
Ohio is among the states hardest hit by the outbreak. Confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have continued to rise and more than doubled from the previous week in the Ohio Department of Health's latest update on July 23 with the state reporting 2,576 cases this year. ODH counted 988 cases in June and 1,577 in July (through the 23rd), according to the departments infectious disease dashboard.
In the meantime, ODH warns consumers to pay attention to public health advisories about recalled or suspect lettuce and salad products, advises seeking medical care and testing if they develop prolonged watery diarrhea, and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
What CDC 'disease detectives' are doing to help Ohio with cyclosporiasis tracking
Federal health officials will interview people who tested positive for Cyclospora to identify common foods and locations tied to infections and support the state's tracing efforts, according to Fox 19.
The CDC has deployed Epidemic Intelligence Service officers, often called "disease detectives," to work alongside Ohio health officials on the outbreak investigation. According to WLWT, the team is focused on identifying where infected people may have been exposed and tracing the source of contaminated produce.
According to the publication, investigators' efforts include:
- Interviewing people who tested positive for Cyclospora about symptoms and foods they ate before becoming ill.
- Identifying common locations and foods linked to infections.
- Determining whether Ohio's outbreak is connected to cases reported in neighboring states.
The CDC had the cyclospora outbreak and cyclosporeasis cases in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and West Virginia were linked on July 14.
What are symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to the CDC.
The illness is usually not life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics. However, symptoms may last longer in people with weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue.
Some infected people never develop symptoms. However, those who do can remain sick for a month or longer, according to the CDC.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: CDC 'disease detectives' heading to Ohio as cyclosporiasis cases rise
