Toledo-Lucas County Health Department reports rise in cyclosporiasis cases
Health officials in Lucas County, Ohio, have confirmed an increase in cyclosporiasis infections since early June and are investigating a common source.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department said the number of residents diagnosed with cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness, has risen since June 1. The disease, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, is typically spread through food or water contaminated with fecal matter and is more common in developing nations, though U.S. outbreaks often involve fresh produce during the summer.
"Our Environmental Health and Epidemiology teams are working around the clock to identify the source of this outbreak, limit its spread and protect the health of our community," said Karim Baroudi, Toledo-Lucas County Health Commissioner.
Symptoms appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps, nausea and prolonged fatigue. Officials advise anyone with these signs to seek medical care, noting that untreated cases may persist for weeks and can recur after initial improvement.
The department emphasized standard preventive measures such as washing hands with soap and water, thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, scrubbing firm produce with a clean brush, removing damaged portions, and refrigerating cut or peeled produce within two hours.
