LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise in Kentucky, as Norton Healthcare said Thursday that 16 cases were diagnosed in its facilities the last three weeks. 

Cyclospora is a parasite that causes the diarrheal illness, cyclosporiasis. 

It is a food and water-born sickness, so outbreaks are often linked to pools and lakes, or raw produce, like berries, herbs, and salad mixes.

Norton Healthcare pediatric infectious diseases physician, Dr. Kris Bryant, said the best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands with soap and water, especially before handling fruits and vegetables.

"Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or cooking them," Dr Bryant said. "Firm fruits and vegetables, like cantaloupe or cucumbers can be scrubbed with a produce brush."

She also suggested refrigerating leftovers as soon as possible.

Hospitals usually see a rise in cyclosporiasis during the summer, but this year is higher than normal.

In Michigan, over 1,250 people have been diagnosed with the illness, according to the state's health and human services department.

Dr. Bryant said the entire last year, Norton Healthcare had 13 cases, compared to the 16 diagnosed in the past three weeks.

"When people develop symptoms of a foodborne illness, like cyclosporiasis, they tend to focus on the thing they last ate," she said. "This is not what you had for dinner last night."

The incubation period for cyclosporiasis can be as short as two days, or it could be as long as two weeks.

"It can be tricky to figure out where infection came from," Dr. Bryant said. "If you are diagnosed, you will be called by someone from the health department."

Since cyclosporiasis is a reportable disease, those diagnosed will be asked questions by the health department about what they ate to help disease investigators figure out where the infection could have come from.

The most common symptoms of cyclosporiasis is explosive diarrhea that can last from a few days up to multiple weeks. 

Other symptoms can include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloating and poor appetite. Some people have fatigue and low-grade fever.

Dr. Bryant said you should see your primary-care provider if you have prolonged diarrhea, especially if you have a compromised immune system or are experiencing severe dehydration.

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