The explosive diarrhea parasite is making an unfortunate appearance in Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says there have been 55 cyclosporiasis cases reported since May, with all but 5 reported since June 1. Thirty of the statewide cases have been reported since June 24. Most of this year’s cases have been “domestically acquired,” with less than 20 likely due to international travel.
Numbers for area counties are not exact. KDHE lists 1-5 cases each in Lyon and Osage counties.
Lyon County Health Officer Dr Ladun Oyuenuga says the biggest concern with cyclosporiasis is dehydration — with good reason.
Nationally, there have been over 1,600 confirmed cases with another 5,100 under investigation.
Cyclospriasis is due to the parasite cyclospora cayetanensis, which is common in tropical or subtropical countries. Food or water contaminated with feces is the main issue. The disease typically peaks from April to September, and US outbreaks have been connected to eating contaminated fresh produce in the summer. The disease is not known to spread from one person to another.
The national headlines the last 2 weeks have talked about “explosive diarrhea.” Just how explosive are we talking about?
Other symptoms include:
*Loss of appetite and weight.
*Abdominal cramps and bloating.
*Nausea (vomiting is less common).
*Low-grade fever.
People with these symptoms are urged to get examined by their healthcare provider as soon as possible because the disease can last a month or longer if left untreated. Antibiotics can improve symptoms, but Oyenuga urges patients to help themselves while they are on meds.
The Centers for Disease Control and KDHE say there is no way to ensure all cyclospora parasites are washed away from food, but the CDC says washing all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking is the main way to avoid illness. Other steps:
*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.
*Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
*Cooking food to 158 degrees may “inactivate” the parasite.
Dr Oyenuga also says a short-term change in diet may help.
At least one national restaurant chain, Taco Bell, has voluntarily pulled fresh produce ingredients as a precautionary measure. Other restaurant chains say they are “closely monitoring” the situation.
Locally, USD 253 Emporia says it’s not planning to make any changes to its summer food menu, with Director of Food Services David Carlson adding the district is taking all necessary precautions including thoroughly washing all fresh fruits and vegetables. Carlson also says the district doesn’t use some of the more susceptible foods like leafy greens or raspberries during the summer.
*Click here for the Centers for Disease Control information page
*Click here for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment information page
*Click here for the KDHE Reportable Infectious Disease Dashboard
