Connecticut cases of intestinal parasite rise to 30, health department says
Health officials have yet to find the source of a parasitic illness hitting over a dozen states. Thirty cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Connecticut, according to the state Department of Public Health.
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A stomach bug that can linger for weeks is making more people sick this summer.
“This isn’t new. It's been out there for quite some time,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kassapidis, who specializes in emergency medicine, with Hartford HealthCare.
The illness is caused by a parasite called cyclospora, which contaminates raw fruits and vegetables, usually in the late spring and summer.
“It's a very simple organism actually that can wreak a lot of havoc," Kassapidis stated. “Believe it or not, some people can be infected and not have any symptoms. But generally speaking, these are gastrointestinal symptoms of abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea.”
This summer, the situation is surging with an outbreak affecting 17 states so far, according to the CDC. As of July 8, Connecticut has seen 30 cases with the first being reported May 2, according to Brittany Schaeffer, spokesperson for the state Department of Public Health. Just south, almost 400 cases have been reported in New York City. The biggest flare-up is in Michigan, where health officials said cases are nearing 1000. Investigations to identify the sources of these recent illnesses are ongoing.
Kassapidis told News 12 she saw a suspected case Wednesday, but confirmation can only be done with testing.
“If it's positive, there is a treatment for it with antibiotics,” Kassapidis said, adding that the illnesses symptoms can come and go. “It doesn't necessarily have to be every day, so you could be sick for a day or two , then feel better, then get more cramping, more diarrhea. It can last actually weeks to months.”
Kassapidis said thoroughly washing and drying produce is the best way to reduce the risk. She advised paying close attention to fruit and veggies with ridged surfaces like raspberries. Kassapidis also suggested cutting away any damaged or bruised areas of produce before preparing and eating.
