At least 25 people in Johnson County have officially tested positive for Cyclosporiasis, a parasite-caused stomach bug that can cause intense watery diarrhea. This accounts for almost half of the 55 cases documented in Kansas, which are presumed to be part of a multi-state outbreak.
What You Need to Know
The most common symptom of Cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea, which can take a couple of weeks to emerge after someone is infected. It can also last for a few days or potentially a few weeks. According to Charlie Hunt, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, most people will recover from this without treatment, though medications are available.
Hunt urged people to apply common sense recommendations to avoid contaminated fresh produce, such as opting for whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-cut greens and peeling off the outer layer before washing it thoroughly. Cooking produce is also an option, as heat will take care of the parasite.
The real concern is for individuals who might be immunocompromised, as well as young children and older adults, who might have a greater risk of developing dehydration during prolonged gastrointestinal illnesses.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
