WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) — The number of cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas has nearly doubled to 461 since last Wednesday, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Just last week, 289 cases of the disease had been reported.
KDHE data shows the illness has impacted 255 women and 206 men, with most cases among people 15 to 44 years old. The state recorded 50 cases in June and 400 cases in July.
Hutchinson woman hospitalized
Nicole Belote, 48, of Hutchinson is among those sickened. She was rushed to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center on July 13 when her condition deteriorated.
Her attorney, Ron Simon, said Belote was given IV fluids, placed on oxygen, underwent significant testing and provided medications, including pain medication, anti-nausea medication and antibiotics. Because she suffers from COPD, she was monitored around the clock, Simon said.
Belote was released from the hospital on July 16. She said she still suffers from COPD, and the dehydration exacerbated her lung function, leaving her on 4 liters of oxygen each evening.
Cases by county
Sedgwick County has reported 56 cases of cyclosporiasis, that’s up from 31 last week. Reno County currently reports between 1 and 5 cases.
National outbreak and recall
Some Kansas cases have been linked to a national outbreak that has sickened more than 6,707 people (laboratory-confirmed), but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says it is aware of more than 11,500 additional cases of cyclosporiasis that are not laboratory confirmed.
Cases in nine states have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The company voluntarily recalled the iceberg lettuce from some Taco Bell restaurants, groceries and food service suppliers.
Symptoms and prevention
Cyclosporiasis is not known to spread from person to person. Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
Frequent watery diarrheaLoss of appetite and weightAbdominal cramps and bloatingNausea — vomiting is less commonLow-grade fever
Individuals experiencing sudden gastrointestinal illness are encouraged to be evaluated by a health care provider, health officials said.
The CDC recommends the following to avoid illness from Cyclospora or other harmful organisms:
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cookingScrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brushCut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eatingRefrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible
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