Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation Update

Press Release Wednesday, June 09, 2010 – Sarnia, ON – The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department continues to investigate an outbreak of Cyclospora infection in people who attended the Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton Chef's Challenge on May 12, 2010. 

At the time of this release, the department completed interviews with over 270 people who attended the event. Of those people interviewed, 193 have reported being ill with symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection. There are currently 40 laboratory confirmed cases. 

The investigation into the source of this outbreak is ongoing in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Agency of Canada, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Please contact the Community Health Services Department at 519 383-8331 ext. 3575, if you did attend the May 12 Chef's Challenge event, even if you didn't become ill. 

Symptoms of Cyclospora infection

Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week.

Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.

Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return once or several times (relapse). It’s common to feel very tired.

How is Cyclospora spread? 

Cyclospora is transmitted through food or water contaminated by human feces. Past foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the United States and Canada have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce. It is suspected that food contamination occurs during cultivation, harvest, packaging or transportation through contact with contaminated water or infected workers.

Cyclospora needs time (days or weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that Cyclospora is passed directly from one person to another.

How to protect yourself from Cyclospora infection

Washing fruits and vegetables is always recommended as a general food safety measure.
During washing, only some of the Cyclospora microorganisms are washed away because the parasite is often trapped on the surface of the food. Therefore, just washing food contaminated with Cyclospora will not prevent infection.

Adequately freezing fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of infection. Thoroughly cooking and baking fruits and vegetables will eliminate the risk of infection.

For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.