Dreaded Diarrhea Parasite Hits Lancaster County
by John Gage
(Picture credit CDC)
The much-dreaded diarrhea parasite, cyclospora, has reached Lancaster County, according to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. The department confirmed on Thursday that there had been at least five cases in the area.
“This is an evolving situation and we’re conducting interviews with community members who have contracted the illness. So far, we know the illness was acquired here in the United States in four of our cases, but we haven’t yet determined a common source and if the cases are connected to the national outbreaks,” Kerry Kernen, the health director, said in a statement.
The health department did say it’s typical to see cases of cyclospora each summer and that currently they were not above expected levels.
“Symptoms of the illness, called cyclosporiasis, include watery diarrhea that can last weeks to months, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, cramping and nausea. Less common symptoms include low-grade fever and vomiting,” the department said.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending people continue washing their hands while preparing raw fruits and vegetables and thoroughly wash fresh produce before consuming. The CDC also said heating food to 158 degrees will kill the parasite.
The recent nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis has caused consternation among many. The CDC has pinpointed part of the larger outbreak to a supplier of Taco Bell lettuce.
— John Gage is the executive editor of The Plains Sentinel.