Cleveland’s Department of Public Health identified 18 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite found in contaminated produce, as of July 13. The number of cases in Ohio this year is massively higher than normal, with 364 cases reported so far, and 46 people hospitalized.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness that spreads when people eat food or drink water contaminated with feces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, as well as bloating, cramping, or loss of appetite.
The illness can be treated with antibiotics, and if not treated, symptoms may last from a few days to over a month. The state recommended Ohioans who experience symptoms, especially those lasting more than a few days, contact their healthcare provider.
Precautions to Avoid Getting Sick
Ohio’s and Cleveland’s health departments are recommending residents take precautions to avoid getting sick, including heating produce up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the parasite. Some local farms are encouraging residents to pick up produce straight from growers to reduce their risk of contracting the illness.
Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.
