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Health department investigating after seeing more than 5x increase in cyclosporiasis cases in McHenry County
lakemchenryscanner.com • • business
Key Points:
- The McHenry County Department of Health is investigating a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases, reporting 61 cases since June 25, which is over five times the number from the same period in 2025.
- No specific source of the outbreak has been identified, though cyclosporiasis is commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce or water.
- Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue, often lasting several weeks without treatment, and medical attention is advised if diarrhea persists or signs of dehydration occur.
- Health officials recommend thorough washing and proper handling of fresh fruits and vegetables, including cooking produce to at least 158°F to effectively inactivate the parasite.
- The health department continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to follow food safety practices to reduce the risk of infection.
