Diarrhea-Causing Parasite Cases Spiking In IL: What Residents Need To Know

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Illinois health officials are warning residents about a spike in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that is sickening a growing number of people in the state and across the Midwest.

As of Thursday morning, state public health officials say 150 people have been sickened by the intestinal infection in Illinois, according to media reports.

Cases have also been reported in 28 other states, including Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, according to the CDC. Michigan has been the hardest hit, with state health officials reporting 1,251 cyclosporiasis cases since June 22, including 40 people who have been hospitalized.

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The source of the current increase in cases has not been identified, and investigations are ongoing.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and can lead to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or longer after infection, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Health officials say the parasite can spread through food or water contaminated with the parasite, and person-to-person transmission generally does not happen. Previous U.S. outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and lettuce.

The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a health advisory asking health care providers and local health departments to increase surveillance, investigate reported cases and remind laboratories about testing requirements for Cyclospora infections.

Cook County Health Department Chief Medical Officer Lauren Smith advised residents to take extra precautions when preparing leafy vegetables, Fox 32 is reporting.

"The recommendations currently are to avoid purchasing the pre-wash bags of lettuce and if you are going to buy lettuce or cabbage or leafy vegetables, you probably want to remove the outer layer first," Smith told Fox 32. "Go ahead and throw that away and then thoroughly rinse off all the other leaves that you might eat."

Residents are advised to wash fresh produce thoroughly, clean kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling produce, and seek medical care if they experience persistent symptoms.

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What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which is commonly found in developing countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces.

It infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea.

Symptoms usually begin about a week after someone consumes contaminated food or water, though they can appear as soon as two days or more than two weeks later. Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom.

Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, but dehydration from frequent bouts of diarrhea can cause severe illness, particularly among younger or older people and those who have weakened immune systems.

How To Prevent Cyclosporiasis

The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated.

Officials recommend properly preparing fruits and vegetables by thoroughly washing them before cutting, eating and cooking.

Previous Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks

There isn't much data on Cyclosporiasis cases since outbreaks have eclipsed 1,000 cases only a handful of times in the last 20 years. The last outbreak happened in 2019 when Mexican basil sickened more than 2,400 people across the U.S. and Canada.

University of Minnesota foodborne illness researcher Melanie Firestone told the Associated Press most tests to detect food poisoning are not geared to check for Cyclospora.

It can also be challenging to trace food contaminated with Cyclospora because food distributors may ship the food to both grocery stores and restaurants.