Cyclospora Cases Rise In McHenry County As Health Investigation Continues

McHENRY COUNTY, IL — The number of reported cyclosporiasis cases in McHenry County has increased to 65 as health officials continue investigating a cluster of illnesses first reported last week.

The McHenry County Department of Health has identified 65 cases since June 25, according to provisional data provided by MCDH Public Information Officer Nick Kubiak on Tuesday.

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While the total number of cases has increased, Kubiak said the number of new cases appears to be declining.

“Case numbers have been decreasing over the last couple of weeks,” Kubiak said. Most people became ill between July 5 and July 21, he said, although it can take up to two weeks after exposure for symptoms of cyclosporiasis to develop.

The investigation remains active, and officials have not identified a common source among the cases.

“The outbreak source is still under investigation, and no common food exposure has been confirmed among cases at this time,” Kubiak said.

MCDH is investigating possible common food sources, including restaurants, grocery stores and food products. The health department is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration as part of the investigation.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or bloating, nausea, fatigue and a low-grade fever.

Without treatment, symptoms can last for several weeks or longer and may improve before returning.

Because prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration, people experiencing decreased urination, dizziness or headaches after ongoing diarrhea should seek medical care. Anyone whose diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days is encouraged to contact a health care provider for evaluation, testing and appropriate treatment.

Cases of cyclosporiasis are associated with contaminated fresh produce or water. Past outbreaks have been linked to produce including leafy greens, fresh herbs, snow peas, green onions and berries.

At this time, MCDH has not issued any new recommendations beyond those included in its initial announcement.

Health officials continue to recommend that residents rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water and gently scrub or wipe produce before eating, cutting or cooking. Firm produce such as melons and cucumbers should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.

Residents should also wash and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, containers and other surfaces that come into contact with fresh produce. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before preparing food, after handling fresh produce and after using the bathroom.

Carefully washing, preparing and storing fresh produce can reduce, but not completely eliminate, the risk of foodborne illness.

When appropriate, cooking produce to an internal temperature of 158 degrees can be more effective than washing alone because it inactivates Cyclospora.

MCDH will continue monitoring reported cases and the ongoing investigation. Kubiak said officials will provide additional information as it becomes available.