Connecticut reports 23 cases of cyclosporiasis as health officials urge produce washing

Connecticut health officials are urging people to thoroughly wash fresh produce after the state reported 23 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 1.

The parasitic illness spreads through eating contaminated food, according to doctors. The Connecticut Department of Public Health said it has not been able to determine whether the cases are concentrated in one area and is working to trace any possible source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 100 have been reported across the country.

Doctors said one of the most common symptoms is severe gastrointestinal illness.

“It causes a very uncomfortable explosive diarrhea, as they call it, so they sometimes call it the explosive diarrhea illness,” Dr. Traci Marquis-Eydman, associate professor of family medicine at the Quinnipiac University School of Medicine, said.

State epidemiologist Dr. Lynn Sosa said health officials investigate each case to better understand how people may have been exposed.

“We interview people. We try to understand what they were doing for the several days before they got sick,” Sosa said.

Doctors recommend washing produce thoroughly under cold running water, especially items such as mixed leafy greens and berries, to help remove potential parasites from the surface. They also urge people to wash their hands with soap before eating.

“It is absolutely the best way to reduce the introduction of this into your families,” Dr. Kevin Dieckhaus, chief of infectious diseases at UConn Health Center, said.

Doctors said cyclosporiasis is treatable if it is properly diagnosed.

“It is treatable with a fairly common antibiotic, but it’s important to make the diagnosis so that you can apply the right antibiotic,” Dieckhaus said.

Some shoppers said the reports have reinforced the importance of washing fresh produce.

“You have to wash them. You wash them really good and then you enjoy them. They’re very tasty,” Lucy Favrow of Newington said.

Others reacted with humor after learning about the illness.

“Oh! Just what we need right, and if it explodes, I better be home. Better not be outdoors,” Favrow said.

“I already spend enough time in the bathroom with what’s in it now,” Ricardo Martinez of New Britain said.

Patricia Tadeo of New Britain said buying fresh produce remains a regular part of her routine.

“I do it every week. Two times a week. It’s really expensive,” Tadeo said.

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