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\u2019s epidemiologist outlining prevention steps, testing concerns, and a newly identified brand linked to the outbreak.<\/p>\n
Prevention and food safety<\/p>\n
Josh Van Drunen, Shawnee County\u2019s epidemiologist, led the presentation and said washing produce is not sufficient to eliminate the parasite.<\/p>\n
\u201cWashing fruits and vegetables by itself does not prevent or wash away the parasite,\u201d Van Drunen said.<\/p>\n
He said cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the most effective protective measure short of avoiding raw fruits and vegetables altogether.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn general, if you have any doubts, please throw it out,\u201d Van Drunen said.<\/p>\n
Symptoms and treatment<\/p>\n
Van Drunen said symptoms of cyclosporiasis can last two to 14 days if treated, and considerably longer without medical intervention.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout proper treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is very, very unlikely that you are going to get it from the person next to you, or within your household,\u201d Van Drunen said.<\/p>\n
Testing and diagnosis<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very important to mention, \u2018Hey, I ate some lettuce or I ate this produce, I\u2019ve been having some gastrointestinal illnesses, I\u2019d like to be tested,\u2019\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He urged anyone experiencing symptoms \u2014 including nausea or watery diarrhea \u2014 to seek medical care promptly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very important that you get treated because it\u2019s hard to replace fluids for up to a month,\u201d Van Drunen said.<\/p>\n
Marketside brand flagged as additional risk<\/p>\n
While Taylor Farms has previously been linked to the outbreak, Van Drunen said an affiliated brand may also put shoppers at risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cMarketside is their affiliate brand, particularly with Walmart,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Case counts<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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