MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – Health officials are investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis cases among Monroe County residents with illness onsets in the past week.
The Monroe County Health Department said on June 29 that it’s working to identify a potential common exposure.
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Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by an infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which health officials said is commonly found in developing countries. It can be spread by food or water contaminated with feces.
According to the Monroe County Health Department, recent outbreaks in the U.S. were caused by consumption of contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months. The illness is not known to be spread from person to person.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can happen two to 14 days after exposure and may include the following:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
If the illness is not treated, it can last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away but can return one or more times.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Cyclospora infection is urged to see a healthcare provider for stool testing and treatment.
Here are ways to prevent getting cyclosporiasis, according to the Monroe County Health Department:
- 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).
Read more about cyclosporiasis here.