Officials warn of intestinal illness outbreak

UPDATE 7/8: Hancock Public Health reported the first confirmed case of cyclosporiasis in Hancock County on Wednesday. FINDLAY — Cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Northwest Ohio, and public health officials are investigating the outbreak. The region, along with other parts of the United States, is experiencing an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. By Tuesday evening, more than 700 cases had been reported in Michigan, the state most affected. Ohio has also been hard hit, with at least 190 cases reported in Lucas County alone by Monday, according to WTOL. Hancock County reported its first case of the illness Wednesday. Both Wood and Wyandot counties have reported cases as well. "This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we are working closely with local and state partners to help identify any possible sources," said Hannah Plumley, epidemiologist with Hancock Public Health. So far, however, the source remains unknown, she said. Plumley said people can become infected with the illness when consuming food or water that is contaminated with feces. "It is often associated with international travel to developing countries, but U.S. cases do occur, and are typically linked to fresh produce, especially during the summer months," Plumley said. "People usually become sick about one week after exposure, but that timeframe can range from two days to two weeks." Symptoms are similar to many other gastrointestinal illnesses and can include watery diarrhea (the most common symptom), loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps or bloating, nausea and prolonged fatigue. Symptoms can last a few days to weeks, and may seem to go away and then return one or more times. "Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor," Plumley said. "Some people may recover on their own, but many will need antibiotics. People diagnosed with cyclosporiasis who work in childcare, food service or other sensitive occupations where risk of transmission is likely will need to start antibiotics and be free of diarrhea prior to returning to work." Molly Carlisle, director of environmental health for Wyandot County Public Health, also advised anyone who gets sick to follow up with a healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics, but other illnesses can cause similar symptoms, so it's important to get tested, she said. Public health officials have been reaching out to individuals who get sick to try to determine the source of the illness, such as asking them to provide information about their recent food and drink. Carlisle encouraged anyone who tests positive to participate in these conversations, as more information will help these investigations. Plumley said preventative measures for other gastrointestinal illnesses can also help prevent the spread of cyclosporiasis. These include practicing good hand hygiene after using the restroom and before preparing food, and refraining from preparing food for others if you have diarrhea. Avoid swimming or playing in a splash pad when you have diarrhea, regardless of the cause, Plumley advised. Rinse off before getting in a pool or splash pad, as germs can enter the water from small amounts of feces rinsing off swimmers' bodies. And don't swallow water when you swim, as even a small amount of contaminated water can make you sick. She also advises washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Cut any damaged or bruised areas, and scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, within two hours, she said. "Cooking does not guarantee germs will be killed, as some (like cyclospora) are fairly heat-resistant," Plumley added. "Freezing may restrict, but does not eliminate, germs from foods."