Monroe County Health Department investigating cluster of cyclosporiasis cases

The Monroe County Health Department is investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis cases that have popped up in the past week.“150 cases reported in southeast Michigan, including in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee, and Jackson counties since Monday, June 22nd," says Lindsay Patrick with the Monroe County Health Department. "We currently have 67 cases in Monroe County. We are currently investigating the source. This is caused by an intestinal parasite. It’s from contaminated food.”At this point, while they are trying to identify a point of common exposure, officials say all produce needs to be thoroughly washed, whether it's in a restaurant or a home.“Where they might have purchased the produce or if they were in restaurants two weeks prior. You should be mindful to wash any fresh produce you purchase,” Patrick says. “It can be what’s called self-limiting because not everybody can take that antibiotic.”FULL INTERVIEW: Lindsay Patrick with Monroe County Health Department on CyclosporiasisWe spoke with Lisa Vanhoose, who is recovering from the illness. “I started getting really sick, where I was lethargic and couldn’t pick my head up. It came back positive, so they immediately admitted me into the hospital,” she says. As for where she may have gotten it?“I ordered a salad. I went through a drive-thru once,” she says.As for her advice to those who may have been infected.“Immediately get help. Because it’s very dangerous," Vanhoose says. "I felt like I was dying.”According to the health department, Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report: Cyclospora infection is not known to spread from person to person. Symptoms occur anywhere from 2 to 12 days after exposure and may include:frequent watery diarrhea loss of appetite and weight abdominal cramps and bloating nausea (vomiting is less common) low-grade fever. If not treated, the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times.In order to prevent contracting the condition, you should: Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating. Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).The MDHHS released the following statement about the cases:"MDHHS is working with local health departments in southeastern Michigan to investigate a sudden and large increase in cyclospora cases [cdc.gov] and identify a common exposure. Individuals concerned about sudden gastrointestinal illness should contact a health care provider. Cyclospora infections can be treated with antibiotics and individuals experiencing diarrheal illness or vomiting are encouraged to hydrate, particularly during the high temperatures expected this week."You can get more information about the condition on the Centers for Disease Control website.