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County health official urges thorough washing of produce amid cyclosporiasis concerns
Summary
A Sedgwick County Health Department official briefed residents on cyclosporiasis symptoms, urged testing and treatment if diarrhea persists, and recommended rinsing and rubbing produce plus handwashing; the county and KDHE are monitoring cases.
A Sedgwick County Health Department official said cyclosporiasis is the current concern and urged residents to take basic hygiene and food‑safety steps to reduce risk. "Cyclosporiasis is the hot topic," the official said, noting community questions about how to avoid infection.
The official described common signs of the illness as flu‑like symptoms accompanied by "very watery, intense explosive type diarrhea" and frank fatigue, and warned that people can become dehydrated. The official advised, "If this diarrhea is continuing after a handful of days, reach out to either your medical provider or a medical provider if you don't have a regular one or our community clinics because they can get you tested, and it is treatable through antibiotics."
On sources, the official said that in the U.S. cyclosporiasis has been linked to produce such as fruits and vegetables and recommended continued consumption of produce with precautions. "That is not what we need to do because they are healthy and important for you," the official said, urging people instead to rinse fruits and vegetables under plenty of water, rub them while washing, and maintain hand hygiene.
The official added that the Sedgwick County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are monitoring case counts. Residents with several days of ongoing diarrhea were instructed to seek testing at a medical provider or community clinic so appropriate antibiotic treatment can be started if needed.
