The Marblehead Board of Health is encouraging residents to take precautions against cyclosporiasis, the foodborne parasitic infection linked to contaminated produce, as health officials continue investigating cases reported across the country.
In a statement released Wednesday, the board said cyclosporiasis is caused by consuming food — most commonly fresh produce — contaminated with feces or by drinking untreated water. Person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
The illness can affect people of all ages. According to the board, the most common symptoms include sudden, frequent watery diarrhea, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after consuming contaminated food and can come and go for several days to a month or longer.
Cases of cyclosporiasis typically increase each year between May and August.
“As of July 15, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports 18 cases in Massachusetts,” the BOH statement reads. “The CDC reports 141 hospitalizations and zero deaths from cyclosporiasis nationally.”
There is no data for Essex County or Marblehead specifically.
While several states have confirmed cases, investigators have not identified a single source of the outbreak. Preliminary investigations are focusing on lettuce and packaged salad greens.
The BOH said residents can reduce their risk of infection by following basic food safety practices, including:
- Washing hands thoroughly before handling and preparing produce.
- Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
- Refrigerating cut, peeled or cooked produce within two hours.
- Considering avoiding bagged and boxed salads from grocery stores and restaurants until more information is available.
- Cooking foods to an internal temperature of 158 degrees when appropriate, especially for people who are immunocompromised.
Symptoms can be severe and may lead to dehydration, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, although the illness is rarely life-threatening.
“Residents who develop persistent watery diarrhea — particularly if it lasts more than a few days, is severe or is accompanied by dehydration — should contact their health care provider,” according to the BOH. “Diagnosis requires a stool test, and antibiotic treatment is available when appropriate.
“The Marblehead Board of Health is closely monitoring this situation and will continue to share updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC as additional information becomes available.”
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cyclosporiasis webpage or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cyclospora information page.
