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Ohio cyclosporiasis cases caused by cyclospora parasite cross 4,000
The Columbus Dispatch • • health
Key Points:
- A widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak has affected 45 states in the U.S., with Ohio reporting over 4,000 confirmed cases as of July 31, marking a 55% increase in one week.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed more than 6,700 cases nationally since May 1, with an additional 11,500 cases pending laboratory confirmation, primarily from Michigan and Ohio.
- The outbreak is linked to multiple sources, with the largest centered in Michigan and associated with iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, which has been recalled.
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as explosive diarrhea, and is treated with the antibiotic Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).
- Preventive measures include avoiding contaminated food and water and practicing safe food handling, especially with fresh produce, to reduce the risk of infection.
