As Maine reports more cyclosporiasis cases, health officials say outbreak may be slowing
Maine reported more cases of cyclosporiasis this week, but state health officials say the outbreak of the intestinal illness appears to be slowing down.
Lindsay Hammes, a spokesperson for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said the agency had logged 49 cases of cyclosporiasis this year through Aug. 21, with 15 of those tied to the national outbreak, which has been connected to contaminated iceberg lettuce. Earlier this month, the agency reported that 10 cases, of 27 identified at the time, were associated with the outbreak.
Hammes said in a statement on Friday that cases in the state “are gradually beginning to slow.”
“It appears this is because the food source identified in the multistate outbreak with Taylor Farms has been pulled from shelves and is no longer in restaurants,” Hammes said.
With the produce company recalling products starting on July 17, Hammes said people are not being exposed as much to the microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. Hammes said it can take about six weeks to confirm lab tests, so there’s a lag between when people fall ill and when health agencies report cases.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 11,458 cases of cyclosporiasis linked to the outbreak nationally through Aug. 24, with 495 hospitalizations and two deaths. Some states, including Michigan, which was an early hot spot for the outbreak, have also experienced a slowdown in case counts, according to news reports.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms include persistent diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, cramping, bloating and nausea.
To avoid the disease, wash hands before eating and wash produce thoroughly, health experts advise. If you fall ill and suspect it’s cyclosporiasis, get a test from your primary care doctor. The disease can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
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Tagged: cyclosporiasis, maine cdc
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press. More by Joe Lawlor
