The CU Public Health District reports six cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease believed to be related to a packaged garden salad, in Champaign County.
The disease, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, is part of a multi-state outbreak, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
IDPH says symptoms include:
- – frequent episodes of watery diarrhea (the most common symptom)
- – loss of appetite
- – Weightloss
- – Cramps, bloating and / or increased gas
- – Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- fatigue
- – Slight fever
In a press release, CU Public Health said: “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can identify recalled products by searching for the Product Code, located in the upper right corner of the front of the package. The recall includes products marked with the letter ‘Z’ at the beginning of the Product Code, followed by the number ‘178’ or less A full list of recalled products is available on the Fresh Express recall page.
“If you think you may be infected with Cyclospora, you should consult your doctor. Identifying this parasite in your stool requires special types of laboratory techniques that are not routinely used. Therefore, your doctor should specifically request the test. of this parasite More than one The stool sample may need to be checked to find the organism.
“This infection and its symptoms can last for months if left untreated. If a person with cyclosporiasis is not treated, symptoms may persist for several weeks to a month or more. Some symptoms, such as diarrhea, may recur; and some symptoms, such as fatigue, can continue after the gastrointestinal symptoms are gone. There is treatment, but it is a sulfa-based medication that some people are allergic to. “
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