Ohio health officials are sounding the alarm about a rise in cyclosporiasis, a disease that can lead to watery and sometimes severe diarrhea. As of July 2, the Ohio Department of Health reported 177 cases this year, with 171 of those in June, particularly after June 20. Thankfully, there haven’t been any reported deaths in Ohio related to this illness, which is somewhat consistent with what has been seen in the past. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, the ODH Director, emphasized that while not usually life-threatening, cyclosporiasis can result in dehydration, so it’s crucial to take it seriously. So far, 28 individuals have been hospitalized due to the disease.
This illness is triggered by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, typically spread through contaminated produce. Health departments are collaborating with state and federal agencies to investigate the outbreak, conducting interviews and tracing potential sources of exposure.
Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and sometimes a loss of appetite. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, officials recommend reaching out to a healthcare provider. The disease can often be treated with antibiotics alongside rest and hydration.
To reduce the risk of cyclosporiasis, health officials suggest several preventive measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water, and use a clean produce brush for firm items like melons.
- Consume or refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.
The county experiencing the highest number of cases is Lucas County, home to Toledo, while neighboring Wood County has reported 20 cases. In Greater Cincinnati, seven cases have been noted: five in Hamilton County and one each in Clermont and Warren counties.
