‘Explosive diarrhea’ outbreak includes 5 cases in Sedgwick County, 22 in Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – As cases climb in the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County provided clarity on the “explosive” diarrheal illness’s impact at the state and local levels.

Data from KDHE shows 22 cases in Kansas. Further localizing cyclosporiasis cases, there are five confirmed cases in Sedgwick County. The county clarified that all five local cases are Sedgwick County residents.

Regarding whether any of the local cases resulted in hospitalization, Sedgwick County said that for privacy reasons it couldn’t provide that information, “due to the small number of cases.”

While questions continue surrounding the outbreak, Health experts announced on Tuesday that lettuce and other salad greens are a potential source.

To protect yourself from cyclosporiasis and bacterial illnesses connected with produce, Sedgwick County offered the following guidance:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
  • Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
  • Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
  • Avoid bagged lettuce or salad mixes. When eating a whole head of lettuce, remove the first two or three layers of leaves and thoroughly wash the inner leaves under running water. Separate the leaves as you wash them.
• Heating food to 158 degrees or higher kills the parasite.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Travelers to cyclosporiasis-endemic areas should follow food and water precautions, including avoiding foods and beverages that may be contaminated.
• Be aware that Cyclospora is unlikely to be killed by routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods.
• If you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis, especially persistent watery diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment recommendations.