Key Takeaway:
- 177 Ohio cases confirmed across 42 counties; 28 people hospitalized and no deaths reported.
- Most cases were reported after June 20, and investigators have not identified a common source yet.
- Cyclosporiasis is linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables and can cause severe watery diarrhea and dehydration
The Ohio cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached 177 confirmed cases across 42 counties, including 28 hospitalizations, with most infections reported after June 20 as investigators continue searching for the outbreak’s source.
Cases rise as officials investigate outbreak
The Ohio Department of Health said 177 people have been diagnosed as part of the Ohio cyclosporiasis outbreak, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Of those cases, 171 were reported in June, with the majority occurring after June 20.
Health officials said 28 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Investigators have not identified a common source of the infections.
“Fortunately, there have been no deaths in Ohio, as is consistent with our past experiences with this illness,” Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said. “Nevertheless, this is a serious illness that can cause dehydration and require people to seek emergency medical care, and it should be taken seriously.”
Contaminated produce remains primary concern
According to the Ohio Department of Health, cyclosporiasis is typically spread by eating fresh fruits or vegetables contaminated with the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. The illness is not usually spread directly from one person to another because the parasite requires time outside the body before it becomes infectious.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, which can sometimes be severe, along with bloating, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. Health officials said people experiencing prolonged diarrhea or signs of dehydration should seek medical attention.
Officials continue investigating the Ohio cyclosporiasis outbreak but said no single food item, supplier, or other common exposure has been linked to the reported illnesses.
Lucas and Wood counties report highest case totals
As of July 2, cases have been reported in 42 Ohio counties. Lucas County recorded the highest number with 30 cases, followed by Wood County with 20. Franklin and Wyandot counties each reported 10 cases, while Stark County reported eight.
Ashland, Crawford, and Licking counties each recorded seven cases. Fulton and Hamilton counties reported five cases each. Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Montgomery, and Ross each reported four cases.
Three cases were confirmed in Carroll, Fairfield, Greene, Richland, and Summit counties. Allen, Auglaize, Clermont, Holmes, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Portage, Preble, Tuscarawas, Warren, and Williams counties each reported one case.
Clark, Henry, Jackson, Mahoning, Medina, Morrow, Ottawa, Pickaway, Sandusky, and Seneca counties each recorded two cases.
The Ohio Department of Health said the investigation remains active and urged residents to practice safe food handling, including washing fresh produce before eating it, while the source of the outbreak remains unknown.
