Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Ohio cases surge as CDC works to identify source

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Ohio is seeing a significant rise in Cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic infection linked to fresh produce and leafy greens, with nearly 400 cases reported in the state — well above the typical annual count of around 70.

The CDC is working to identify the source food causing the outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is a subtropical parasite not normally found in Ohio.

The infection causes severe diarrhea and is linked to the consumption of fresh produce or leafy greens.

According to the CDC, the incubation period can range from 2 to 14 days.

What health officials are recommending

The Ohio Department of Health is urging residents to wash their hands before and after preparing food and to thoroughly scrub raw fruits and vegetables under running water.

“When we thoroughly wash these fresh fruits and vegetables, again, under running water, not by putting them into a bowl or the sink and soaking them, but cleaning them thoroughly under running water — we know from past experience that that can be very effective at reducing our risk of developing this illness,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio Department of Health director.

Health officials also recommend eating locally grown produce when possible and cooking food to 158 degrees to kill the parasite.

Officials note that even with precautions, there is still a chance of infection.

Diagnosis and treatment

Vanderhoff said the illness is both diagnosable and treatable and urged anyone with symptoms not to wait.

“This is not a time to tough it out. This is something that your doctor can diagnose very easily using a stool sample and in turn can treat very effectively with antibiotics. So this is very treatable,” Vanderhoff said.

Case counts and ongoing investigation

Ohio’s nearly 400 cases far exceed the state’s typical annual total of around 70.

Michigan has reported more than 3,000 cases, according to state health officials there.

The food source responsible for the outbreak has not been identified. The CDC is actively working to determine the cause.

“As soon as we identify such a source, we will make people aware and we’ll work with that source to eliminate this going forward,” Vanderhoff said.