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 Since mid-May, IDPH has received confirmation of 243 cases of
cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic
Cyclospora parasite. Of those, 92 reported eating salads produced
for McDonald’s restaurants in the days before becoming ill. A new
outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to a private event at Evanston
Golf Club in Skokie, Illinois, was identified this week. Not all
sources of illness have been identified.
“Our investigation includes interviewing people who have become ill
to learn what they ate, where they ate it, when, and if there are
any commonalities,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D.
“Additionally, we’re tracing any implicated foods to identify the
manufacturer, producer, supplier, distributor, and all other points
of contact to identify a source. If you feel like you may have been
exposed to a foodborne illness and have symptoms, contact a health
care provider.”
People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated
with feces (stool) that contains the parasite. Cyclospora is not
spread directly from one person to another.
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Symptoms begin about a week to up to two weeks after exposure,
although some people who are infected may not have any.
Symptoms may include the following:
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Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea (the most common symptom)
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Loss
of appetite and weight
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Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
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Nausea (vomiting is less common)
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Fatigue
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Low-grade fever
Cyclospora infection can be treated with specific antibiotics. If
not treated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or
longer.
Previous cyclosporiasis cases have been linked to various types of
imported fresh produce including raspberries, basil, snow peas, and
lettuce. Illinois case counts can be found on the IDPH website, and
more information about outbreaks can be found on the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention website.
[ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH] |
