Cyclosporiasis cases nearly double in Missouri; Boone County up to 13 cases

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

In about a week, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has reported that cases of cyclosporiasis in Missouri has nearly doubled from 43 to 80.

"There are more cases across the country than we usually see in an entire year," DHSS said in a Facebook Post Thursday.

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health also stated on Thursday that cases in the county have risen from 9 cases on Wednesday to 13 on Thursday.

"The current indication is that these cases were acquired locally; however, further analysis will be required," PHHS spokesman Austin Krohn said in a statement on Thursday.

Cyclosporiasis is believed to be contracted through eating produce or water contaminated by the Cyclospora parasite. Health officials say symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and can include frequent diarrhea, dehydration from diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Less common symptoms include vomiting and a low-grade fever.

Boone Health reported Wednesday that five people have been hospitalized due to the illness.

The Cole County Health Department wrote in a Thursday statement that it was not releasing its numbers just yet because “When case numbers are very small, releasing additional information may increase the risk of identifying an individual. Protecting patient confidentiality remains our priority, and we do not release information that could compromise an individual's privacy.”

While some people have been seen online using vinegar to clean produce, health experts say the best way to kill the parasite is to cook produce at 158 degrees. It is also recommended to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

Krohn added that buying local could help reduce the risk, but still encourages produce to be washed.

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