Cyclospora outbreak: Hamilton County reports additional cases
HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio —
As cyclosporiasis continues to spread to more counties and states, Hamilton County is reporting more cases.
In their latest update Thursday, Hamilton County health officials reported 17 cases, up from 16 reported on Tuesday.
The number of confirmed cases rose from 10 to 12, with number of probable cases staying the same and number of suspected cases going from 5 to 4.
As of Thursday, the number of cases in Ohio sits at over 1,300, with more than 40 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
According to Hamilton County Public Health, reasons for admission include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stool, shortness of breath, cough, concerns of food poisoning, nausea, urinary tract infection, headache, chills, abscess, fever, gastroenteritis;, colitis, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, sore throat, constipation and fatigue.
Per the Centers of Disease Control, as of Wednesday, total cases sit at 1,645 with 141 hospitalizations.
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of cyclosporiasis, while bloating or cramping or loss of appetite can also occur.
If you experience these symptoms, health officials say to contact your healthcare provider.
The disease can be treated with antibiotics, along with rest and fluids.
To prevent cyclosporiasis, health officials say the following steps should be taken:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruit and vegetables
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Firm produce, such as melons, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.
- Eating or refrigerating cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.
Hamilton County health officials say every year, about one in six people contract a foodborne illness. To learn how to better protect yourself, the county has provided best practices for how to safely prepare, cook and store food.
Officials say Ohio has not confirmed a source for the outbreak.