‘Terrible': Cyclosporiasis outbreak on the rise in Connecticut
There are 35 cyclosporiasis cases in Connecticut this year, nearly double the amount from last year.
Experts are trying to find the source of this national outbreak.
“If you dont have it, don’t go trying to find it,” said Kaylee Conley of Coventry.
Take it from Conley, who recently recovered from what she believes to be cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that causes explosive diarrhea and is believed to be linked to produce.
Last month, she ate a raspberry and says the rest is history.
“I woke up early in the morning and wasn’t feeling good. I went in the bathroom and was there for the next seven days,” Conley said.
Her symptoms also included intense cramps and headaches, and she realized after a nine days of being unable to leave the house that this wasn’t your average food poisoning.
“Terrible. Wouldn’t do it again. Zero out of zero,” Conley said.
Dr. Ulysees Wu says the number of cases is likely underreported in Connecticut. Some won’t have any symptoms, and others who do might not see a doctor.
“We’re seeing an uptick now because the source hasn’t definitively been isolated,” Wu said.
Dr. Wu says to avoid it cyclosporiasis, cook all your produce. If you can’t, he says to thoroughly wash produce and clean your hands before and after.
Eating locally produced goods might be safer too, but isn’t foolproof.
“It doesn’t absolve you of any other risk. But if you want to try to avoid this, it is probably better to eat local, at least in Connecticut, if the source of the outbreak is not from a local source,” Wu said.
“We’re tyring to bring as many local products as we can,” said Kyle Devoe of Coventry Public Market.
At Coventry Public Market, Devoe says many of their vegetables come from Connecticut farms.
“They’re in the fields, they know what’s coming in and out of their farm every single day,” Devoe said.
“I wouldn’t say stop avoiding — or go and avoid fruits — but pay attention to what they’re saying,” Conley said.
Conley says if you’re joining the unlucky club, her best advice is to ride it out.
“Go get some Pedialyte, sit on the couch, it’s gonna be a long haul, but you’ll be ok,” Conley said.
Doctors say this illness can be severe for young children, older adults or people with weakened immune systems. If you have symptoms, you’re encouraged to contact your healthcare provider.
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