The Ohio Department of Health is urging people to keep produce in their diet, despite fears of infection from the gut-churning parasite surging in the United States and commonly linked to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Cases of cyclosporiasis, the gastrointestinal illness causing serious digestive distress, including what's been described as "explosive diarrhea," have been rising in the U.S. all summer. Both state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported tens of thousands of cases in what health experts have called an unprecedented outbreak.
Ohio has over 4,000 cases, as reported by ODH on July 31.
The CDC declared that at least Ohio's outbreak started in May, and the Buckeye State ranks second in case
count for the stomach parasite, which people get from consuming food or liquids contaminated by feces. Fresh produce is the most common culprit, but no source has been identified in either the main outbreak or smaller ones. Iceberg lettuce is a possible link.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the state health department, emphasized that people should not avoid produce, but instead be increasingly vigilant about food safety at home.
"Summer is such a great time for healthy, fresh foods. We just need to take some extra steps to protect our health," Vanderhoff said in an Aug 4 press conference.
Some links, but some sources still unknown amid first deaths
Ohio's case count is only second to Michigan's, whose state health department recently reported over 11,000 cases and the first two deaths connected to cyclospora. Both individuals had serious underlying medical conditions at the time of infection, Michigan's health department noted.
Cyclosporasis is not typically fatal, but certain populations are more vulnerable, such as children, elderly individuals and pregnant women due to the severe dehydration and and inability to properly absorb nutrients.
There are currently several outbreaks in the U.S. The largest one spanning nine states, including Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas and Pennsylvania, has been linked to iceberg lettuce grown by Taylor Farms. The massive produce supplier location in central Mexico initiated a voluntary recall on iceberg lettuce on July 17.
No sources for other smaller outbreaks have been confirmed. In past, smaller outbreaks, leafy greens, herbs and some berries are the most common produce associated with cyclospora.
Cyclosporiasis is not new to the U.S. However, multiple health experts told The Dispatch that the current cyclosporiasis case numbers are unlike anything they'd seen in their careers.
The CDC scaled back tracking of foodborne illnesses last year, a move industry experts say has hindered the federal government's ability to trace the illness' origins in enough time to curb the spread.
The illness can also take a week or more after first being infected to present itself, another factor making it harder to track.
Given Ohio's high case count, the CDC sent Epidemic Intelligence Service officers, often called "disease detectives," to Ohio in late July to assist with the outbreak.
Food safety tips
While it won't completely eliminate the risk of getting cyclospora, Vanderhoff said that better food safety will "considerably knock down" the risk of infection.
Dr. Robert Frenck, an infectious diseases doctor with Cincinnati Children's Hospital, said that it's important to remind people that while cyclospora sounds "scary," that there is treatment.
The state health department recommends that:
- People should wash their hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruit and vegetables.
- Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly under running water, and firm fruit and vegetables, like melons, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.
- Cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables should be eaten or refrigerated promptly.
- When possible, produce should be cooked to an internal temperature of 158 degrees.
The CDC also recommended that people cut or peel away any bruised or damaged areas on produce before preparing or eating.
Symptoms and treatment of cyclosporiasis
Health officials are urging people to seek medical care if they think they have the illness. Vanderhoff encouraged
Cyclosporiasis is treated with the antibiotic Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), which is known under the brand names Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim.
If you are allergic to these medications, consult your doctor on the best treatment plan. Without proper treatment, the illness can last over a month.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include:
- Explosive, watery diarrhea (most common)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Other flu-like symptoms
Business and consumer issues reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Eat your veggies even amid cyclospora outbreak, health officials urge
