Health Department Advice As Cyclosporiasis Case Reported In Hancock County

(From Hancock Public Health)

HPH is monitoring an increase in cases of cyclosporiasis in the state. Most cases in Ohio are in the Northwest Ohio region. There has also been a large increase in cases in Michigan. We are working closely with health officials in the region to continue investigating a possible source.

Cyclosporiasis is a reportable illness in Ohio. It is caused by a parasite. People can become infected when consuming food or water that is contaminated with feces. As of today, there is one confirmed case in Hancock County.

It is often associated with international travel to developing countries, but U.S. cases do occur, and are typically linked to fresh produce, especially during the summer months. People usually become sick about one week after exposure, but that timeframe can range from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Symptoms are similar to many other GI illnesses and can include:

-Watery diarrhea (most common symptom)

-Loss of appetite

-Weight loss

-Abdominal cramps/bloating Nausea

-Prolonged fatigue

Symptoms can last a few days to weeks. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor. Some people may recover on their own, but many will need antibiotics. People diagnosed with cyclosporiasis who work in childcare, food service, or other sensitive occupations where risk of transmission is likely, will need to start antibiotics and be free of diarrhea prior to returning to work.

Many GI illnesses increase in the summer months.

General Prevention tips for GI illnesses: –

-Avoid preparing food for others if you have diarrhea.

-Practice good hand hygiene after using the restroom and before preparing food.

-Cooking does not guarantee germs will be killed, as some (like cyclospora) are fairly heat resistant.

-Freezing may restrict but does not eliminate germs from foods.

-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 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 2 hours)

-Avoid swimming or playing in a splash pad when you have diarrhea, regardless of the cause

-Don’t swallow water when you swim. Even a small amount of contaminated water can make you sick.

-Rinse off before getting into a pool or splash pad. Germs can get in the water from small amounts of feces rinsing off swimmers’ bodies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Hancock Public Health at 419-424-7870.