Cyclosporiasis cases on the rise in Monroe County, health officials say
MONROE COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - An outbreak of Cyclosporiasis is spreading in Monroe County, health officials announced on Monday.
What they're saying:
The Monroe County Health Department said they are investigating cases of Cyclosporiasis among Monroe County residents. Health officials are looking to identify a potential common exposure that has led to the pop-ups in infections.
It 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. However, it is not known to spread from person-to-person.
Cyclosporiasis Symptoms
If anyone in Monroe County is experiencing symptoms of Cyclospora infection, please see a doctor for testing and treatment.
Health officials say symptoms of Cyclosporiasis occur two days to two weeks after exposure.
The symptoms 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 Prevention
The Monroe County Health Department released prevention tips:
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces.
- 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 within two hours.
What you can do:
If you want to learn more about Cyclosporiasis, you can do so by tapping here.
The Source: FOX 2 used information from the Monroe County Health Department in this report.