With 2,576 cases as of July 23, Ohio is among the hardest hit states in a fast-growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite known as cyclospora cayatenensis, according to the most recent update from the Ohio Department of Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has sent a team of “disease detectives” to the Buckeye State to help investigate the outbreak, possibly linked to contaminated lettuce, that has ravaged Ohio and the U.S. throughout July. Investigators were expected to remain in the state for about three weeks.
While cases in Ohio are surging, Cincinnati and Hamilton County have largely been spared from the parasite that causes explosive diarrhea. Here’s a look at the numbers from ODH and Hamilton County Public Health.
Cyclospora parasite cases in Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Hamilton County is reporting 17 total cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 23, per ODH. Hamilton County Public Health counts 29 cases — 18 confirmed, 10 suspected and currently under investigation, and one probable — as of Monday, July 27.
Hamilton public information officer Allison Babka said ODH and the CDC use delayed information in their reports, so what they show may be different from the county health department numbers.
“Cyclospora certainly is concerning here in Hamilton County, as it is throughout the state and the nation,” Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director, Hamilton County Public Health, said. “And while our county does not have as many confirmed cyclosporiasis cases as other locations do, we know that there are many people dealing with this disease who aren’t included in the official tally due to a lag in symptoms, a lack of or slowdown of testing, or simply mistaking this for other gastrointestinal issues and dealing with it at home. The disease’s effects on our region’s residents, workers, visitors and food providers can be significant.”
Breaking down the numbers from ODH, Hamilton County had no reported cases of cyclosporiasis until Sunday, June 7, when two were tallied. Here’s a look at the numbers:
Hamilton County data, however, shows 29 total cases and the first reported case happening on June 19. The health department’s breakdown is as follows:
As to why ODH is showing cases of cyclosporiasis earlier than Hamilton County Public Health, Babka said cases are reported in Ohio every year, usually from international travel and exposure in other countries. The cases the health department is reporting are ones acquired in Ohio. The earlier cases ODH is reporting may not be related to the current outbreak, which is believed to have started around June 20.
Ohio No. 2 in nation for cyclospora cases, behind Michigan
Michigan has recorded more than 8,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, making it one of the notable public health concerns linked to foodborne illnesses in the state, USA TODAY reports. Ohio takes second place with more than 2,500.
What is cyclosporiasis? Illness from cyclospora cayatenensis parasite causes explosive diarrhea
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as cyclospora, according to the CDC. The illness is not usually life-threatening.
The parasite spreads when people eat food or drink water that was contaminated with feces. People may be at an increased risk for infection when living or traveling in tropical or subtropical regions of the world where cyclosporiasis is regularly occurring.
In the U.S., outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce.
How is cyclosporiasis treated? With Bactrim? Does it clear up on its own?
According to the CDC, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), which is sold under the brand names Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim, is the treatment of choice for the illness caused by the parasite.
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are types of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Available as a tablet, it belongs to a group of medications called sulfonamide antibiotics.
A cyclosporiasis infection can often clear up on its own in healthy individuals, though symptoms may last several weeks.
How do I know if I have cyclosporiasis? Symptoms, testing
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include:
Less common symptoms may include:
Symptoms begin about a week after being infected and can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer without treatment. Some symptoms, such as diarrhea, may go away and then return.
The illness is diagnosed by testing stool samples, according to the CDC.
Cyclosporiasis prevention. How to protect yourself
The CDC says the best way to prevent cyclosporiasis is to avoid food or water that may be contaminated with feces.
And to help do that, the agency recommends safe food-handling practices when dealing with produce, including:
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ODH, Hamilton County report different cyclosporiasis case numbers
Reporting by Chad Murphy, USA TODAY NETWORK / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chad Murphy, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
