ERIE COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – Officials with the Erie County Health Department have launched an active investigation into multiple confirmed cases of Cyclosporiasis within the county.
According to health officials, laboratory results confirmed the foodborne illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis has affected a number of people in Erie County.
The health officials have reached out to local healthcare workers and specifically their commercial kitchens, restaurants, and large food vendors to contain the spread of the illness.
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The risk of getting Cyclosporiasis stems entirely from contaminated food or water handling.
Symptoms usually appear two days to two weeks after eating contaminated produce.
Health officials said the following steps can reduce the risk of infection:
Wash hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruits and vegetables.Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.Scrub firm produce, such as melons, with a clean produce brush.Eat or refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.
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