Local intestinal illness case count now at 4; 2 deaths reported in Michigan as multi-state outbreak continues

Montgomery County’s case count of Cyclosporiasis is now at four, according to the Montgomery County Health Dept.

An investigation into a multi-state outbreak of Cyclosporiasis continues. Cyclospora infections have been linked to iceberg lettuce in nine states.

Kentucky is among states identified with illnesses, according to the CDC/FDA.

More than 1,900 cases have been reported and nearly 100 hospitalizations as a result of the multi-state outbreak.

The CDC  also notes on its website that it’s aware of two Cyclosporiasis-related deaths in people with underlying health conditions from Michigan as part of this outbreak.

July 17, Taylor Farms initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

The CDC advises the public to not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. If you purchased recalled lettuce, throw it out or return it.

The CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of Cyclosporiasis nationally unrelated to this outbreak, according to information on the CDC website.

Taylor Fresh Foods’ recall notice included Marketside-brand products available at Walmart. There were multiple lots and product was sold in various package types.

Recalled lettuce was distributed and sold in at least 27 states to consumers, restaurants and retailers.

The public should not eat any recalled lettuce. Throw it away or return it, the CDC advises.

The CDC also recommends washing items and surfaces that may have touched recalled lettuce using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Anyone concerned or experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider.

Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite.

The CDC notes you may need to request testing for Cyclospora. Routine stool tests don’t always screen for the parasite.

Symptoms usually begin about one week after becoming infected (ranging from two days to 2 weeks or more).

Without treatment, the CDC cautions symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.

If you have symptoms, stay well-hydrated.

Provide 

information to help public health

If you are sick with Cyclosporiasis, local or state health officials may contact you to find out what you ate in the two weeks before you got sick.

Answering phone calls from health officials and taking the time to answer their questions helps to solve foodborne outbreaks, according to the CDC.

Take steps to reduce your risk of getting sick from Cyclospora

The CDC recommends the following tips to reduce risk of illness:

• Wash your hands and any fresh produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.

• Cooking can kill the parasite. Since washing alone cannot guarantee Cyclospora removal, you can cook produce to a temperature of at least 158 degrees (70 degrees C).

• Learn which foods are more likely to contain the parasite Cyclospora and ways to prevent getting Cyclosporiasis.

• Stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks.