TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Shawnee County health officials provided updates Monday on the U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak during a Shawnee County Commission work session, with the county’s epidemiologist outlining prevention steps, testing concerns, and a newly identified brand linked to the outbreak.
Prevention and food safety
Josh Van Drunen, Shawnee County’s epidemiologist, led the presentation and said washing produce is not sufficient to eliminate the parasite.
“Washing fruits and vegetables by itself does not prevent or wash away the parasite,” Van Drunen said.
He said cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the most effective protective measure short of avoiding raw fruits and vegetables altogether.
“In general, if you have any doubts, please throw it out,” Van Drunen said.
Symptoms and treatment
Van Drunen said symptoms of cyclosporiasis can last two to 14 days if treated, and considerably longer without medical intervention.
“Without proper treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer,” he said.
The parasite is more active during summer months. Van Drunen said the infection is not airborne and is not known to spread from person to person.
“It is very, very unlikely that you are going to get it from the person next to you, or within your household,” Van Drunen said.
Testing and diagnosis
Van Drunen noted that testing for the parasitic infection is not standardized and must be specifically requested at medical offices, even when gastrointestinal symptoms are present.
“It’s very important to mention, ‘Hey, I ate some lettuce or I ate this produce, I’ve been having some gastrointestinal illnesses, I’d like to be tested,’” he said.
He urged anyone experiencing symptoms — including nausea or watery diarrhea — to seek medical care promptly.
“It’s very important that you get treated because it’s hard to replace fluids for up to a month,” Van Drunen said.
Marketside brand flagged as additional risk
While Taylor Farms has previously been linked to the outbreak, Van Drunen said an affiliated brand may also put shoppers at risk.
“Marketside is their affiliate brand, particularly with Walmart,” he said.
Case counts
As of July 22, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 289 cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas, including 58 in Shawnee County. No related deaths have been reported.
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