No cyclosporiasis cases reported locally

VW independent staff

It appears that a gastrointestinal disease that has sickened hundreds of people across multiple states recently, including Ohio, has not hit home – at least not yet.

Nearly 200 cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed in in the state this year and the majority have occurred since mid-June. 28 Ohioans have been hospitalized.

Van Wert County does not have any known cases at this time.

Cyclosporiasis is not typically life-threatening but can cause watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea. The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite – Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. The disease generally is transmitted by eating contaminated produce.

“We are encouraging residents to wash all produce well and wash your hands well,” Van Wert County Health Department Public Information Officer Britt Menchhofer said on Friday. “If a person is experiencing any symptoms of the disease, please see your primary care provider.”