Delaware sees first Cyclosporiasis case in ongoing multistate outbreak - WDEL

What the report says

CoastTV reports that the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services has confirmed Delaware’s first case of cyclosporiasis during an ongoing multistate outbreak being tracked by health officials. The illness is caused by Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported related cases in states including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

According to CoastTV, Delaware public health officials said the state is not seeing notable cyclosporiasis activity beyond the single confirmed case, and there is currently no sign of a wider problem in Delaware. Because only one person has been identified, the Division of Public Health did not release details about where the patient lives or how exposure may have occurred, citing privacy concerns.

The report says Cyclospora infections are often associated with contaminated fresh produce. The source of the current outbreak has not been identified, while past outbreaks have been linked to fruits and vegetables exposed to contaminated irrigation water, according to the Associated Press as cited by CoastTV. CDC guidance cited in the article says common symptoms include watery diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and reduced appetite. The infection is generally treatable with antibiotics and serious complications are uncommon.

Dr. Dawn Roach, an infectious diseases physician at Bayhealth, told CoastTV that people should focus on handwashing and careful produce handling rather than avoiding fruits and vegetables. She recommended washing produce thoroughly, scrubbing firm-skinned items, and contacting a primary care provider if symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever or chills develop after eating fresh produce. Diagnosis typically requires stool testing, sometimes with more than one sample.