Two cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in Knox County, putting a microscopic parasite with a decidedly memorable symptom profile on the local health radar as federal officials investigate several outbreaks nationwide. One case was reported in May and the other in June, according to the Knox County Health Department.
According to WATE 6 On Your Side, the health department said the two-case total is consistent with what Knox County typically sees year over year. The report did not identify either local case as part of the separate lettuce-linked outbreak under federal investigation.
Federal investigators are tracking multiple Cyclospora outbreaks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says one ongoing investigation involves illnesses linked to recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The FDA outbreak advisory says the recalled product was distributed through foodservice channels in Tennessee, while select Marketside products were sold at some Tennessee Walmart stores.
The lettuce investigation remains active, but it is not the only Cyclospora probe underway. WATE’s review of FDA data reported six active Cyclospora outbreaks under investigation, with only the lettuce-linked outbreak having an identified source.
What cyclosporiasis can feel like
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can spread through contaminated food or water. The CDC says watery diarrhea is the most common symptom, along with appetite loss, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue.
Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, though they can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or more afterward. Without treatment, the illness may last for days, a month or longer, and symptoms can fade before returning.
Residents experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms should contact a health care provider and mention any possible exposure to recalled lettuce or other fresh produce. Testing may be needed because Cyclospora can be overlooked when a gastrointestinal illness is treated as a routine stomach bug.
Health officials still recommend washing fresh produce
Dr. Corinne Tandy, division director of epidemiology for the Knox County Health Department, told WATE that residents should continue eating fresh produce while taking extra care to wash it thoroughly. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water before and after handling produce, while warning that routine chemical disinfection may not kill Cyclospora.
Anyone who purchased recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce should not eat it and should follow the disposal and cleaning instructions in the FDA recall notice. For Knox County residents, the immediate message is less dramatic than the parasite’s nickname: keep produce in the rotation, wash it carefully and do not ignore symptoms that linger or return.
