MORAINE — Cyclosporiasis, which causes people to have explosive diarrhea, is now forcing farmers and customers to take precautions.
Looking at the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are more than 1,600 confirmed cases.
The agency is also investigating 5,100 reported cases. Ohio is also one of the worst states. The CDC believes the cases are linked to an outbreak in Michigan.
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Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff with the Ohio Department of Health said Cyclosporiasis is nothing new. The numbers are what is unusual.
Shoppers at Walmart in Moraine are aware of the outbreak and are taking precautions.
Mary Miller said, “It’s not something you can run from because when it gets you, it’s got you.”
Miller walked into Walmart with more than a short list. She’s carrying concern, fearing the outbreak could hit her household. Experts said it’s all linked to produce.
“I’ll buy some, but I’ll be looking at it to make sure I wash it when I get it home,” Miller said.
Vanderhoff said this summer is unlike any other.
“In a typical year, we’d see in the neighborhood of 70 or 75 cases. This year already, we have documented here in Ohio, 364 cases,” Vanderhoff said.
He urges Ohioans to take extra care when washing their fruits and vegetables.
“What we recommend that you do is just wash any fresh fruits or vegetables that you buy this summer under running water. Don’t soak them, scrub them under running water,” Vanderhoff said.
And pay special attention to their lettuce. “Now, when you’re choosing lettuce, one thing you might want to do is purchase a whole head of lettuce and then discard the outer layers and wash the inner leaves thoroughly,” Vanderhoff said.
Mary Miller said washing carefully isn’t new for her, but she hopes others listen and take the same precautions.
Vanderhoff told News Center 7 this isn’t something that tends to spread from person-to-person contact.
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