The Monroe County Health Department is investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis cases among residents with illness onsets in the last week.
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by an infection with a parasite called Cyclospora cayatenesis, which is commonly found in developing countries and is spread by food and water contaminated with feces. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the United States as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce. The MCHD is looking to identify a common exposure.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis occur two to 14 days after exposure and can include the following:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
If not treated, the illness can last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms can also relapse…