MARION, Ill. (HEARTLAND NEWS) – A parasitic illness linked to food is causing concern as cases rise across several states, including Illinois.
The illness is called cyclosporiasis. It’s a parasitic infection especially linked to produce.
As of July 8, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports 150 cases have been reported in Illinois. Of those 150 cases, 66 report travel outside the U.S., 68 cases were domestically acquired and 16 cases are pending investigation to determine travel status.
Tommie Smith, who specializes in gastroenterology with the Deaconess Illinois Specialty Clinic, has tested two people locally for cyclosporiasis.
“Cyclosporiasis is a parasite that’s generally found in food that hasn’t been washed properly. It’s a fecal oral route,” Smith said.
Officials say the illness is also often linked to pools and lakes. It can spread through contaminated fresh water.
Symptoms can include what experts call debilitating diarrhea, cramps, bloating and fatigue. Weight loss is also a possible symptom, and people experiencing these issues should contact their primary care provider.
Smith said if left untreated, the illness could go on for months. She said a health provider should be able to help with treatment.
“So I would say if you have the test and it shows that you’re positive, I would recommend treating with antibiotics,” Smith said.
In a statement, the IDPH says no single source or cause of the increase in cases has been identified.
“IDPH is seeing a higher-than-average number of reported cases of cyclosporiasis, consistent with what is being seen in several other states. It can be contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with feces. At this point, no single source or cause of this increase has been identified, and there is no evidence of a large outbreak accounting for all or most of these cases. IDPH continues to work with the CDC and other public health partners to look for trends. In the meantime, IDPH recommends following all guidelines for safe food handling, including washing produce (wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking; scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush), said an IDPH spokesperson.
SIH reports its system has not had any cyclosporiasis infections in its hospitals and outpatient clinics.
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