Feces-Borne Parasite Sickens Dozens In Lake Co.: Health Officials

The Lake County Health Department is working with local, state, and federal public health officials to investigate a sharp spike in cyclosporiasis cases. The infection is affecting residents of multiple counties and states, with hundreds reportedly contracting the infection in Illinois in recent months.. Cyclosporiasis, according to IDPH, is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic cyclospora parasite.

According to IDPH, people can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces that contains the parasite, as cyclospora is not spread directly from one person to another.

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“Since May, the health department has investigated 43 cases of Cyclospora infection among Lake County residents. This is more than 14 times higher than the number of cases reported in 2017,” said Sana Ahmed, medical epidemiologist with the Lake County Health Department. “We urge Lake County residents who are experiencing symptoms to seek testing from a health care provider.”

Cyclospora infection symptoms typically begin one to two weeks after exposure and can be treated with specific antibiotics. If left untreated, symptoms can last weeks to months. Cyclospora infection is unlikely to be transmitted from person to person, according to health officials.

The most common symptom of Cyclospora infection is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle aches, and low-grade fever.

As of July 31, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported 620 cases of Cyclospora infection in Illinois. Of these, 228 people have reported eating salads from McDonald’s restaurants and 160 attended a private event held at the Evanston Golf Club on July 3.

Some of the 43 Cyclospora cases reported in Lake County have been linked to McDonald’s or the Evanston Golf Club event, a few have been linked to international travel, and the remaining cases do not have an apparent link, according to the health department news release.

• Feces-Borne Parasite Sickens 243 At IL McDonald's, Country Club

On July 30, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for a recall of several premade salad and wrap products due to potential Cyclosporacontamination. The products were distributed to Walgreens, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and other locations nationwide by Caito Foods LLC of Indianapolis, Indiana. People who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them, but to return or discard them, according to the news release.

Detailed information on affected products is available on the FSIS website.

• Feces-Borne Parasite Linked To Trader Joe's, Walgreens Salads

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following safe fruit and vegetable handling guidelines:

• Wash: Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing fruits and vegetables. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with soap and hot water between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and seafood products and the preparation of fruits and vegetables that will not be cooked.

• Prepare: Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home. 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.

• Store: Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within 2 hours. Store fruits and vegetables away from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.

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