( WKYT) The Kentucky Department for Public Health says they are investigating 620 reported cases of cyclosporiasis statewide, 274 of which have been confirmed as of July 29.
Hospitalizations have risen from 7 people to 24.
In Fayette County, cases have jumped from 9 cases to 29, the KDPH says. This ranks Fayette County as the second highest number of cases in the state, behind Jefferson County, which has 41 cases.
UK Chandler Hospital Assistant Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Grace said there’s no need to panic.
“Its not surprising to me in a county that has so many people and has so much access to health care, that we’re seeing more diagnoses,” Dr. Grace said.
The KDPH says cyclosporiasis cases typically rise in the summer, but the average is usually only 35 cases per year.
County/Number of Cases:
- Adair – 2
- Boone – 6
- Bourbon – 4
- Boyle – 4
- Bracken – 1
- Bullitt – 7
- Caldwell – 1
- Campbell – 4
- Carroll – 3
- Clark – 4
- Daviess – 10
- Fayette – 29
- Fleming – 1
- Floyd – 2
- Franklin – 2
- Garrard – 3
- Graves – 1
- Green – 1
- Hancock – 1
- Hardin – 13
- Harlan – 1
- Henderson – 1
- Henry – 6
- Hopkins – 1
- Jackson – 1
- Jefferson – 41
- Jessamine – 4
- Kenton – 11
- Knox – 4
- Larue – 3
- Laurel – 6
- Letcher – 6
- Lewis – 1
- Lincoln – 1
- Madison – 16
- Marion – 2
- Marshall – 1
- Mason – 3
- McCracken – 1
- McLean – 1
- Mercer – 2
- Metcalfe – 2
- Montgomery – 3
- Morgan – 1
- Muhlenberg – 1
- Nelson – 9
- Ohio – 1
- Oldham – 4
- Pendleton – 1
- Pulaski – 5
- Rockcastle – 2
- Scott – 5
- Shelby – 3
- Simpson – 2
- Todd – 1
- Washington – 6
- Wayne – 4
- Whitley – 6
- Woodford – 4
PREVIOUS:
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.
Woodford County Health Department Public Health Director Cassie Prather said if you feel like you have cyclosporiasis, make sure to reach out to your doctor.
She said a positive test can help your county investigate where you could have gotten it to help prevent the spread.
“It takes up to 14 days for those symptoms to appear after the exposure, so we could still be seeing cases for months if we don’t get all of the products that have been affected off the shelf,” Prather said.
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.
Dr. Grace said he doesn’t think people should completely avoid fruits and vegetables right now, as long as you stay aware of the foods and brands being recalled.
“The vast majority of people are eating these foods and are having no symptoms whatsoever and have not contracted cyclosporiasis,” Dr. Grace said.
The KDPH says lettuce distributed to Taco Bell and Walmart were identified as possible sources of the outbreak. Kentucky distributors to Taco Bell and Walmart are reported to have stopped sourcing iceberg lettuce from Mexico at this time, according to the KDPH.