Maryland’s Summer of Ick: It’s more than parasites

Key Points:

• Summer activities like hiking, swimming, and eating fresh produce are linked to a rise in infections causing gastrointestinal issues, rashes, and more severe illnesses, with no single cause identified.
• Maryland has seen increases in diseases like cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic infection causing prolonged diarrhea, with cases nearly 50% higher than last year, partly due to weakened public health infrastructure and reduced federal tracking.
• Globalization of the food supply and warmer temperatures contribute to contamination risks and expanded habitats for pathogens like cyclospora, vibrio bacteria, ticks, and mosquitoes, leading to more cases of foodborne illnesses, vibriosis, Lyme disease, and mosquito-borne infections.
• Measles cases in Maryland have surged, driven by vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation, although vaccination rates remain above the protective threshold; public health officials emphasize vaccination and preventive measures to manage outbreaks.
• Authorities advise practical precautions such as washing and cooking produce, avoiding swimming with open wounds, using insect repellent, performing tick checks, and maintaining vaccination to reduce infection risks while encouraging people to continue enjoying outdoor activities responsibly.