Cases of Cyclosporiasis confirmed in Monroe County -- here’s what to know

Key Points:

• Monroe County Health Department is investigating a recent cluster of cyclosporiasis cases among residents with symptom onset in the past week, seeking to identify a common source of exposure.
• Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically linked to contaminated food or water, especially fresh produce, and is not spread person-to-person.
• Symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, and low-grade fever, appearing 2 to 14 days after exposure and potentially lasting from days to over a month if untreated.
• Health officials advise anyone with symptoms to seek medical testing and treatment, and recommend preventive measures such as thoroughly washing and scrubbing fruits and vegetables, avoiding contaminated food or water, and proper refrigeration.
• Recent U.S. outbreaks have been associated with consumption of contaminated fresh produce during summer months, highlighting the importance of food safety practices.