Illinois has confirmed 216 cases of the diarrhea-causing illness cyclosporiasis, the state’s public health department confirmed Tuesday.
Of those 216, 18 people have been hospitalized across the state, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Most people in Illinois who contracted the illness had traveled recently — 96 people traveled internationally and 95 traveled domestically in the weeks before becoming infected. It’s unknown if the remaining 25 cases are linked to travel.
The heightened number of cases in Illinois is part of a larger increase of cases in most states. Across 34 states, 1,645 cases have been reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No one has died from the illness this year, but 141 people have been hospitalized nationwide.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness is caused by the parasite cyclospora. Infection often comes after eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and can lead to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas and nausea.
No definitive source has been identified for the current outbreak, but past outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce, like bagged salad kits and berries, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Last week, Illinois reported 141 cases of the illness. Higher numbers of cyclosporiasis are typically reported in the summer months, but this year has seen an especially high number, health officials said.
The CDC has identified one common source linked to outbreaks in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, and the agency is tracking other cases to identify likely sources. But there are several states — including Illinois — that have reported cases unrelated to that cluster of cases, said Gwen Biggerstaff, the CDC’s Deputy Director of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases. The agency is also investigating other outbreaks that could be connected to one another.
The CDC hasn’t recommended that people avoid certain foods. But to avoid an infection of cyclosporiasis or other diseases, it’s important to follow typical food safety guidelines like washing hands and rinsing fresh produce, Biggerstaff said.
Illinois health officials have some tips for preventing the illness:
- Cook vegetables to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Incorporate more fruits and vegetables with peels or outer layers.
- Eat canned fruits and vegetables.
- Keep produce separate from raw meat and seafood.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
- Refrigerate perishable produce.
Biggerstaff also encouraged people to talk to their doctor about getting tested for the illness if they have symptoms so health officials can continue to track the outbreak.
Most people who contract the illness will recover within one to two weeks, according to the CDC. Many people can recover with rest and plenty of fluids, but some may need antibiotics.