Cyclosporiasis in Illinois: These foods have been linked to past outbreaks
Cyclosporiasis outbreak continues in Illinois
A cyclosporiasis outbreak continues across the United States, with Illinois reporting multiple cases of the parasitic illness this summer.
ILLINOIS - A cyclosporiasis outbreak continues across the United States, with Illinois reporting multiple cases of the parasitic illness this summer.
The infection can cause severe, sometimes explosive diarrhea and symptoms that can last more than a month.
Health officials in Michigan are reminding consumers about produce linked to previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks as investigators work to determine the source of the current outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis cases in Illinois
By the numbers:
Between 11 and 30 people in Illinois have been sickened by the parasite since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That places Illinois among the states reporting the highest number of cases.
(CDC)
The CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state health departments are investigating the illnesses but have not identified a common source.
IDPH on cyclosporiasis
The Illinois Department of Public Health released the following statement on the bug:
"IDPH is seeing a higher-than-average number of reported cases of cyclosporiasis, consistent with what is being seen in several other states. It can be contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with feces. At this point, no single source or cause of this increase has been identified, and there is no evidence of a large outbreak accounting for all or most of these cases. IDPH continues to work with the CDC and other public health partners to look for trends. In the meantime, IDPH recommends following all guidelines for safe food handling, including washing produce (wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking; scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush)."
List of fruits, vegetables
As of July 4, investigators had not identified a specific type of produce, grower or supplier as the source of the current outbreak.
However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released a list of fruits and vegetables that have been linked to previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States and Canada:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions (scallions)
What you can do:
If you are preparing or eating any of the following raw foods, take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.
- Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves. Safest when cooked.
- Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).
- Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.
- Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Big picture view:
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which experts say is found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.
Outbreaks have occurred in the US as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce in hot weather.
It is not known to spread from person-to-person.
RELATED: CDC investigates parasite outbreak linked to 'explosive' diarrhea across 17 states
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Timeline:
Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
Anyone infected who does not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.
Cyclosporiasis treatment
What you can do:
If you experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea, reach out to your health care provider and your local health department.
Symptoms can be improved with an antibiotic.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.