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Sarnia, ON – The Community Health Services Department is currently investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora infection in people who attended the Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton Chef's Challenge at Hiawatha on May 12, 2010.
At the time of this release, the department has received calls from over 70 people who reported becoming ill after attending the function. Laboratory confirmation of Cyclospora has been received from 7 people to date. The investigation into the source of this outbreak is ongoing.
Members of the public who became ill after attending the Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton Chef's Challenge are advised to:
- Report the illness to the Community Health Services Department at 519 383-8331 ext. 3575 or toll free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3575.
- Contact their health care provider
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. This parasite causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
How is Cyclospora spread?
Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting something, such as food or water that was contaminated with feces (stool). Scientists think that food may become contaminated during cultivation, harvest, or packaging; in transportation through contact with infected food handlers, or through contaminated irrigation water.
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.
What are the symptoms of Cyclospora infection?
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.
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 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.
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Contact:
Lori Lucas
(Interim) Supervisor,
Environmental Health & Prevention Services
County of Lambton
Community Health Services Department
Telephone: 519 383-8331 ext. 3574
email: lori.lucas@county-lambton.on.ca
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