Information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows cases of cyclosporiasis jumped from 55 cases statewide this year to nearly 300 cases in just a week. This climb comes amid a nationwide outbreak of the foodborne illness previously linked to produce.
Among the 289 confirmed Kansas cases of the outbreak that has sickened thousands of people across the U.S., 83% of those have been reported this month. Also, of the total statewide cases, 30 are in Sedgwick County, the third-highest total in Kansas, behind Johnson County with 95, and Shawnee County with 58.
There are 169 confirmed cases among women in Kansas, and 120 among men. The data shows the highest case totals being among adults, in a broad range from 25-to-64 years old.
Symptoms occur anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure, and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite and weight.
- Abdominal cramps and bloating.
- Nausea -- vomiting is less common.
- Low-grade fever.
Individuals experiencing sudden gastrointestinal illness are encouraged to be evaluated by a health care provider.
