The Hawaii Department of Health said the risk of cyclospora infections in the state remains low, even as the outbreak on the U.S. continent continues to grow exponentially.
DOH Deputy State Epidemiologist Nathan Tan also confirmed there was a recent case in a visitor to Hawaii.
State health officials said this individual got sick upon arrival and was hospitalized briefly.
Based on the individual’s date of arrival, onset of symptoms and the known incubation period following exposure, DOH said it had determined the infection was not acquired in Hawaii. DOH declined to share exactly when the case was confirmed, and which island the visitor went to, due to privacy concerns.
He said the risk of cyclospora infections for Hawaii residents and the general population remains low.
“So far, there haven’t been any locally identified cases,” he said during a virtual press conference. “That suggests probably, at this point, that the product may not be on the shelves here locally. But we’re keeping a close eye on that and on what’s being learned in the investigation on the mainland.”
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Over the past decade, Hawaii has only counted three cyclospora infections in Hawaii residents, all of whom had traveled out of state.
The number of parasitic infections in the U.S. since May, meanwhile, grew to 1,645 in 34 different states as of today, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up from 843 on Friday.
CDC said the number is likely higher, as it was aware of more than 5,100 more cases yet to be confirmed.
Tan said the parasitic infection occurs more commonly between May and August, and that there were about 250 cases during that period last year. The increase to the current number of 1,645 cases so far means “there clearly is something going on.”
While federal officials have not identified the source of the outbreak yet, Michigan health officials said their early investigation points to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source.
Officials said other food items cannot be completely ruled out, however, and that no specific type of produce, grower, or supplier has been identified as the source.
Tan said those who want to take extra precautions can discard the outer two to three layers of lettuce leaves, and thoroughly wash remaining leaves for at least a minute before consumption.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected by consuming food or water containing the parasite, CDC said, but direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
Symptoms, which can take up to two weeks to develop, include stomach cramps, nausea, and watery diarrhea, with frequent and “sometimes explosive” bowel movements. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to more than a month.
The elderly, immuno-compromised, and pregnant women are at higher risk of prolonged and severe illness.
Tan said residents experiencing potential symptoms of cyclospora infection, particularly after return from travel to an area with a rising number of cases, should seek medical care and testing from their physicians. Antibiotic treatments are available.
A total of 141 people have been hospitalized, CDC said. No deaths have been reported.
| Reducing the risks |
|---|
| Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the restroom. |
| Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them. |
| Follow safe food handling practices when preparing meals. |
| Seek medical care if they experience prolonged or severe diarrhea, particularly after recent travel or eating fresh produce from an area associated with an outbreak. |
| Source: Hawaii Department of Health |