Akron is experiencing an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite found in contaminated produce. As of July 14, Summit County Public Health is investigating 41 reported cases, a significant increase from the three cases reported by the Ohio Department of Health as of July 2.

What is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an illness that spreads when people eat food or drink water contaminated with feces. The disease typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, as well as bloating, cramping, or loss of appetite. Symptoms usually develop a week or two after eating contaminated produce.

According to Dr. Amy Edwards, an associate professor of pediatrics and an expert in infectious diseases at Case Western Reserve University, the number of cases in Ohio this year is "massively higher" than normal. "This is one of the biggest outbreaks I can remember hearing about," she said.

Precautions and Treatment

Health departments in Ohio and Summit County are recommending residents take precautions to avoid getting sick, such as heating produce up to 158 degrees to kill the parasite. The illness can be treated with antibiotics, and residents who experience symptoms, especially those lasting more than a few days, are advised to contact their healthcare provider.

Some local farms are encouraging residents to buy produce straight from growers to reduce their risk of contracting the illness. However, public health officials note that without knowing the source of the outbreak, it is difficult to guarantee that local produce is safer than grocery store produce.

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.