Norton Issues Warning About Rising Parasitic Infection Causing ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea in Kentucky
Attention, residents of Kentuckiana. There’s a parasite leading to “explosive diarrhea” that appears to be increasing in this area. Recently, Norton Healthcare reported a rise in the number of cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection linked to severe gastrointestinal issues, throughout several states, including Kentucky.
In just the past two weeks, Norton has identified 10 cases among adult patients, none of which required hospitalization. Similar outbreaks have been observed in at least 28 other states in recent months.
Experts note that while this isn’t a new concern, it tends to infect raw fruits and vegetables—like berries and salad greens—during the summer months. Nonetheless, certain states are experiencing unusually high case counts. For instance, Michigan health officials recently reported an outbreak of nearly 1,000 cases over about two weeks. Illinois has logged 141 cases, while New York has seen several dozen cases since May.
The specific source of the ongoing outbreak remains unclear, and currently, there is no evidence suggesting person-to-person transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined several recommendations to help prevent infection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours or as soon as possible.
According to the CDC, symptoms of infection can last anywhere from two days to two weeks or more. Individuals who travel or reside in subtropical regions may be at higher risk for contracting this infection.
If you begin to experience symptoms, it’s advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider.
