ADPH: 22 cyclosporiasis cases in north Alabama

MONTGOMERY — Twenty-eight cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

Of those, 22 have been located in the Northern District, which includes Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties.

Two individuals have been hospitalized, but there have been no deaths, according to the state agency.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by fresh produce and fruits tainted with the parasite Cyclospora.

Domestically acquired cyclosporiasis is typically linked to the consumption of contaminated fresh produce such as basil, cilantro, lettuce, snow peas, berries and melons.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have traced a link for cases in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia to certain lots of iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations.

No cases in Alabama have been directly linked to these Taco Bell locations, but the investigation is ongoing.

Walmart locations in Alabama have pulled all bagged and shredded lettuce products sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico of Guanajuato.

ADPH is instructing individuals to contact healthcare providers if they experience any symptoms, which include loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and weight loss.

Those suffering from any of these symptoms should request specific testing for cyclospora if showing symptoms.

Symptoms are observed to begin a week after infection. Without treatment, symptoms can last a few days ranging to over a month.

The ADPH also shared prevention tips, including thoroughly washing hands after handling raw produce; washing all fruits and vegetables before consumption; cooking produce to at least 158 degrees F; and staying informed about where produce consumed is sourced from.