Ohio reports over 2,500 cyclosporiasis cases as county data show differing counts

Ohio's Department of Health said the state has logged 2,576 cyclosporiasis cases as of July 23, making it the second-most affected state in the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deployed a team of investigators to assist with the response, which officials suspect may be linked to contaminated lettuce.

In Hamilton County, public-health officials reported 29 cases—18 confirmed, 10 suspected and under investigation, and one probable—through July 27. The county's count differs from the state figure of 17 cases for the same period. Allison Babka, a public information officer for Hamilton County, explained that reporting delays and differing data sources can produce such variations.

"Cyclospora certainly is concerning here in Hamilton County, as it is throughout the state and the nation," said Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director of Hamilton County Public Health. "While our county does not have as many confirmed cyclosporiasis cases as other locations do, we know that there are many people dealing with this disease who aren’t included in the official tally due to a lag in symptoms, a lack of or slowdown of testing, or simply mistaking this for other gastrointestinal issues and dealing with it at home."

State data show the first county cases appearing on June 7, whereas the county's own records indicate the earliest case on June 19. Babka noted that the Ohio figures include infections acquired within the state, while earlier cases may stem from travel-related exposure and therefore are not part of the current outbreak.

The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis causes gastrointestinal illness characterized by watery diarrhea and other symptoms. Health officials advise thorough washing of produce and safe food-handling practices to reduce risk. The CDC recommends treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for those who require medication.