LUCAS COUNTY, OH (Toledo News Now) - A nationwide stomach bug has sickened nearly 400 people in 15 different states, including one case in northwest Ohio.
Cyclospora is a parasite associated with produce and fruit. One of the biggest problems health officials are facing is targeting the source.
The director of Environmental Health in Lucas County says this parasite clings to things. It's important to maintain safe food practices, which means washing your hands when you're handling food, washing fruits and vegetables vigorously, plus keeping your kitchen clean.
In Iowa and Nebraska, health officials have been able to link the bug to a prepackaged salad mix containing iceberg and romaine lettuce, as well as carrots and red cabbage. However, that may not be the case here in Ohio. Officials are still trying to piece together how a Lucas County woman got the parasite.
"We're still doing our investigation. You know, the CDC, and you know, the FDA, they're on top of this, and they're trying to do their due diligence, as well as we are. So we're going to probably find out, eventually, what is actually causing it and the other commonalities and links, if you will," said Eric Zgodzinski, director of Environmental Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about a week.
According to the CDC, some people infected with the virus may not show any symptoms, but common symptoms include:
-diarrhea
-loss of appetite
-weight loss
-stomach cramps/pain
-bloating
-increased gas
-nausea
-fatigue
-other flu-like symptoms may be noted (vomiting, body aches, headaches, fever)
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