Kentucky health officials investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis outbreak

KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis statewide, 61 of which have been confirmed.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora; the highest risk of infection is for people living in or traveling to subtropical regions.

Foodborne outbreaks are associated with various types of produce, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mixed greens.

Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure.

The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics.

Public health experts are urging people to follow food-safety guidelines to reduce the risk, such as washing hands with soap and warm water after handling produce, cleaning food preparation areas and tools with soap, and water and washing all fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.