Marion County health officials are dealing with a very unwelcome summer trend: a sharp rise in Cyclospora infections, the microscopic parasite behind bouts of watery, often "explosive" diarrhea. So far this year, the county has logged 15 confirmed cases, far more than the usual handful. Officials are urging anyone with persistent watery diarrhea to contact a clinician and to be extra careful with fresh produce.
The Marion County Public Health Department confirmed the case count and said it is actively monitoring the situation, spokesperson Curt Brantingham told WISH-TV. Brantingham said the county typically sees just three or four Cyclospora cases a year and noted that infections are reportable to the public health department.
The local spike is unfolding alongside a broader national increase in cyclosporiasis. From May 1 through June 16, surveillance data show 145 domestically acquired cases with illness onset in that window, according to CDC data. Public health officials caution that many milder illnesses never get tested or reported, so the true number of people sick is likely higher.
Next door, Michigan is dealing with a far larger problem. The state had about 992 diagnosed cases as of July 8, straining investigators and prompting extra testing in neighboring states, the Associated Press reports. Investigators have not yet pinpointed a single contaminated product that explains the surge.
What Cyclospora Is And How It Spreads
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine and spreads when people eat or drink food or water contaminated with feces, as explained by Axios. Symptoms usually show up about a week after exposure, although onset can range from two days to two weeks.
Routine chemical disinfection or quick sanitizing is not considered reliable for killing Cyclospora, according to public health guidance. That is why state officials stress careful washing or thorough cooking of produce as a key line of defense.
If You Get Sick
Clinicians say standard stool cultures often miss Cyclospora. People with prolonged watery diarrhea are advised to ask their provider specifically for Cyclospora testing and to make sure confirmed cases are reported to the local health department, in line with CDC guidance.
When infection is confirmed, the usual treatment is a 7-10 day course of the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). Alternatives for patients with sulfa allergies are less well studied, per a clinical review. Patients are also urged to stay home, hydrate, and avoid exposing others, including staying out of public pools while symptomatic, until cleared by a clinician.
The Marion County Public Health Department says it will keep monitoring the situation and working with state partners as investigators follow up on patient interviews and lab results, WISH-TV reports. In the meantime, officials say the best defenses remain simple: wash produce under running water, prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen, and seek medical care if diarrhea will not quit.
