Over 70 Illinoisans Sickened by Parasitic Illness from Possibly Contaminated Apple Cider at Fall Fest

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “Crypto.” | Center for Disease Control

More than 70 Illinoisans are now believed to have fallen ill after drinking possibly contaminated apple cider at a fall festival in western Illinois last month.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is working with staff from Adams and Pike County on the investigation of an outbreak of foodborne illness at the Pike County Fall Color Drive, which was held the weekend of October 17-18, in Pike County, Illinois.

Investigators say that at least 70 attendees who drank the apple cider have become ill with profuse diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, cramping and vomiting.

The apple cider is believed to have been made with contaminated water, which was purchased from vendors at several different locations, Pike County health officials said.

The ill persons ranged in age in from less than a year old to 89 years old. The exact type of germ causing the illness is still being confirmed. Healthcare providers are being encouraged to test for E. Coli and Cryptosporidium.

Samples have been submitted to the state health department and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA, for testing. Lab results are expected to help conform the exact organism causing the illness and to confirm the food source.

People started to report feeling ill between October 18 and November 4. Several persons were hospitalized as a result of the illness. Adams and Pike county health officers say that new cases are being reported daily.

Symptoms last about one to two weeks in persons with healthy immune systems. Health officials say people may experience a recurrence of symptoms after a brief period of recovery before the illness ends, which can come and go for up to 30 days.

Those who purchased cider at the Pike County Fall Color Drive, fresh and frozen for future use, are advised not to consume it. People instead should contact their local public health officials so the cider can be tested.