No local cases of parasitic outbreak

VW independent staff

A gastrointestinal disease that has sickened thousands of people across multiple states, including Ohio, still has not hit locally.

No cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed in Paulding or Van Wert counties, but confirmed cases have been reported in all surrounding counties in Ohio, including four in Allen County, three in Auglaize County, two in Mercer County, and two in Putman County. In addition, 12 cases have been reported and confirmed in Defiance County.

Nearly 1,300 cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed in in the state this year and the majority have occurred since mid-June. Lucas County leads the state with 270 confirmed cases.

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 earlier this month. “If a person is experiencing any symptoms of the disease, please see your primary care provider.”