IDPH Says Illinois Is Closing In On 1,000 Cyclospora Cases
Have you been a little frightened and confused lately when it comes to buying and eating fruit and other produce...or is this just happening at my house?
It's easy to understand why.
Illinois' cyclospora outbreak continues to grow at an alarming pace, with state health officials now reporting nearly 1,000 confirmed cases as investigators work to pinpoint exactly how so many people became sick. While the parasite has been detected in dozens of states this summer, Illinois remains one of the hardest-hit areas in the country.
Michigan has seen even larger numbers, with several thousand confirmed illnesses, while outbreaks have also been reported in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and a growing list of other states. Federal investigators with the CDC and FDA continue to trace multiple outbreaks, with one major investigation focusing on iceberg lettuce distributed through restaurants and food-service suppliers.
You've Been Hearing The Words Cyclospora And Cyclosporiasis A Lot
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness known for severe (also called "explosive") watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. One of the reasons investigators have struggled to identify the source is that symptoms often don't appear until about a week after someone eats contaminated food, making it difficult for patients to remember exactly what they consumed.
So what are we supposed to do when we're at the grocery store?
Health experts aren't recommending that people stop eating fresh produce altogether. Instead, they suggest buying fruits and vegetables from reputable retailers, washing produce thoroughly under running water, and paying close attention to any recalls or public health advisories.
You Could Also Apply Some Heat To Your Produce
Cooking produce when practical can also reduce risk, although that's obviously not an option for many salads ("Did you order the well-done salad, sir?").
If you have iceberg lettuce connected to a recall or can't determine where it came from, it's safest to throw it away. Imported leafy greens, fresh herbs such as cilantro and basil, bagged salads, and berries have all been linked to cyclospora outbreaks over the years, though that doesn't mean they're all unsafe today.
The good news is that most people recover completely with proper treatment, though the illness can linger for weeks if left untreated. If you've been battling persistent diarrhea lasting several days, especially after eating fresh produce, health officials recommend contacting your healthcare provider.
Early diagnosis and antibiotics can dramatically shorten what is otherwise a very unpleasant illness.
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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
