KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Knox County Health Department says a small number of additional cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in the county, but officials stress there is currently no evidence of a local outbreak.
Roberta Sturm, director of communicable and environmental disease and emergency preparedness for the health department, said Monday that a few more cases have been identified in Knox County. While an exact number was not released, she noted that most of the cases have been associated with international travel.
The update comes as health officials monitor a growing number of cases across Tennessee and the nation. Sturm said Tennessee is experiencing several large outbreaks of the illness, though Knox County has not seen any known clusters.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 6,700 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis were reported nationwide between May 1 and July 27. An additional 11,500 suspected cases have been reported but not laboratory confirmed. Tennessee is currently estimated to have between 50 and 199 reported cases, a significant increase from fewer than 30 cases reported just weeks earlier.
The illness is caused by the parasite Cyclospora, which spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with fecal matter carrying the parasite. Health officials describe the infection as a form of foodborne illness.
Cyclosporiasis is commonly associated with severe or “explosive” diarrhea but can also cause:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Low-grade fever
The increased attention on the outbreak follows reports from Michigan health officials that two people have died after contracting the illness. Officials noted both individuals had underlying health conditions, and dehydration may have contributed to their deaths.
Health officials recommend several steps to reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling fruits and vegetables.
- Rinse fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a clean produce brush.
- Refrigerate cut or peeled produce within two hours.
- Consider choosing produce that is easier to clean thoroughly, such as blueberries instead of raspberries.
Past cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fresh produce, including bagged salad mixes, cilantro, basil, and raspberries.
The Knox County Health Department encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
