Health Department detects another cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed another case of cyclosporiasis in a U. S. military member based in the state. Health officials said the individual — who was tested in Hawaii — traveled to a. . .
The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed another case of cyclosporiasis in a U. S. military member based in the state. Health officials said the individual — who was tested in Hawaii — traveled to a country where cyclosporiasis is endemic, as well as a U. S. state experiencing an uptick in cases, before developing symptoms. “Based on the information currently available, it is not yet known whether the infection was acquired in Hawaii or while traveling,” said DOH in a news release. “DOH is continuing its investigation, and the risk of cyclosporiasis to the public in Hawaii remains low at this time. ”The latest diagnosis brings the state’s total to five cyclosporiasis cases this year, all involving recent travel. The first case involved a non-resident visitor whose infection was acquired outside of Hawaii, officials said. The second and third cases involved Hawaii residents who traveled internationally. The fourth case also involved a Hawaii-based member of the military who traveled internationally before becoming ill. Health officials said there is no known connection between the fourth and fifth cases, both involving service members who have no direct contact or links to each other. Don't miss out on what's happening!Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser's and Google'sTerms of ServiceandPrivacy Policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Health officials continue their investigation into both cases as well as the recent low-level detection of cyclospora in a sample from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The University of Missouri confirmed the cyclospora after metagenomic sequencing of the sample. The wastewater detection alone, however, does not establish that cyclospora infection is present in the community, nor is it necessarily related to any of the confirmed or probable cases, officials said. The U. S. , meanwhile, is grappling with a record-high number of cyclosporiasis cases, with more than 13,000 confirmed and more than 10,000 suspected cases under investigation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has counted more than 700 hospitalized and two deaths from the cyclosporiasis outbreak in the U. S. A multi-state outbreak has been tied to imported iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. DOH said epidemiologic and traceback data showed that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico’s facility in central Mexico was contaminated with cyclospora. In mid-July, Taylor Farms of Californiarecalled iceberg lettucesourced from central Mexico, including iceberg lettuce sold at retail stores and served at restaurants. A list of products is available from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. To date, no recalled iceberg lettuce was known to be sold or distributed to retailers in the state of Hawaii. No cyclosporiasis cases in Hawaii have been linked to the recalled iceberg lettuce. Hawaii is one of three U. S. states that have not yet reported any laboratory-confirmed cases among residents that were acquired locally. DOH said the best-by dates for the recalled products have passed and the products should no longer be available in stores or restaurants in states where they were distributed. Cyclosporiasisis an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite’s eggs are shed in the feces of infected persons, but must mature outside the host and in the environment before becoming infectious to another person. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. The illness is not typically spread directly from person to person. In the U. S, outbreaks have most often been linked to certain fresh produce items. Symptoms, which usually begin about a week later, include frequent, watery, and explosive diarrhea, along with loss of appetite, stomach cramps or fatigue. Without treatment, symptoms may come and go and last for several weeks or longer and can come and go. Cyclosporiasis, however, is treatable with prescription antibiotics. Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea should contact their health care provider. DOH says people can reduce their risk of cyclosporiasis by:>> Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the restroom. >> Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them. >> Following safe food handling practices when preparing meals. >> Seeking medical care if they experience prolonged or severe diarrhea, particularly after recent travel or eating fresh produce from an area associated with an outbreak.