Second cyclosporiasis case linked to travel reported in Clark County

[00:00:00]A second case of the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis has been reported in Clark County. That is according to the Southern Nevada Health District.

[00:00:08]Officials say the person traveled to a state associated with the outbreak.

[00:00:11]There is no evidence the exposure happened here in Clark County. The outbreak has now spread to 41 states.

[00:00:18]News 3's Jane Davenport joins us live to talk about how you can protect yourself from getting sick.

[00:00:27]>> First and foremost, good hygiene, Marie.

[00:00:30]Knowing how to wash your fruits and vegetables, but also, it might seem like common sense, knowing how to wash your hands. Doctors say knowing how to properly handle your produce, and as well as knowing how to properly handle taking care of yourself, it will help protect you from any type of parasite or foodborne illness.

[00:00:49]>> The volume of cases that we've seen, particularly stemming from the original five cases, is extremely high compared to normal years.

[00:00:58]>> Kimberly Frankich with the Southern Nevada Health District says Clark County is reporting six cases of cyclosporiasis this year, two of which were reported just this week.

[00:01:08]>> This case, similar to the first, has travel associated to the original, one of the original five cases associated with this outbreak, also associated with the recall of the iceberg lettuce.

[00:01:18]>> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the initial cases originated at Taco Bell stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Since then, the CDC has reported more than 4,100 lab-confirmed cases and 308 hospitalizations.

[00:01:36]>> The primary symptom is watery diarrhea, and it can last quite a long time.

[00:01:44]>> Frankich says the illness can last anywhere from a couple of days to a month.

[00:01:49]>> This is a infection that can be treated with medication.

[00:01:52]>> But she's encouraging people to focus on preventative measures, which includes the proper handling of produce.

[00:01:58]>> Cooking produce up to 158° Fahrenheit will kill the parasite. So, that is the absolute best way you can reduce your risk.

[00:02:05]>> She adds to check the Food and Drug Administration's recall list before buying produce. Right now, it displays the iceberg lettuce from Taylor Fresh Foods recalled for possible Cyclospora contamination. According to the health district, people are encouraged to buy whole heads rather than pre-washed bagged lettuce. Officials say for whole heads of lettuce, discard the outer two or three layers, separate the remaining leaves, and rinse them thoroughly under water. This helps reduce, not eliminate, the risk of contamination. Frenaje adds that while they see cases of cyclosporiasis every year, they normally see it after international travel to tropical or subtropical destinations.

[00:02:44]>> We expect to have um regular cases kind of throughout the year, but what's alarming about this particular incident is the total number of cases, and it's affecting those now in 41 states.

[00:03:04]>> Doctors say a person-to-person spread is unlikely, which is why the best way to stay safe is really being extra cautious when you buy fresh produce, Marie.

[00:03:15]>> Jane, what do they recommend if someone thinks they've been exposed to the stomach bug?

[00:03:21]>> She was telling me immediately go to your primary care doctor, that way you can get prescribed antibiotics. She says the last resort is going to the emergency room just to make sure other people don't get exposed, but if you are experiencing severe dehydration or are in immediate need of medical attention, of course, go to the emergency room.

[00:03:39]But, your primary care doctor should be able to prescribe you those antibiotics.

[00:03:43]But, like we mentioned, Marie, only two cases so far this week in Clark County, which is pretty low compared to some other states.

[00:03:50]>> And that is good to know, and hopefully those precautionary measures that you laid out in your report will prevent some of those more extreme measures someone would have to take if they were to become ill. All right, Jane Davenport, thank you for that. So, let's go over those steps once again. If you decide to buy and eat produce, health officials say rinse those fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, cutting, or cooking them. Scrub firm produce with a clean brush, refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked produce as soon as possible, and clean and sanitize surfaces or containers that have come in contact with produce. The most effective measure, cooking the produce in at least 158° Fahrenheit.