Cases of foodborne illness rise across the country

Several states, including Florida, are experiencing a spike in Cyclospora, which is a foodborne illness. Cases of Cyclospora nearly doubled in a 14-day period.

Amy Cornell lives in the Gainsville area but spends a fair amount in south Fort Myers. But, lately, she’s been spending a lot of time in the bathroom.

“So in mid-June, my son and I both came down with this horrible diarrhea. I know it’s gross, but it’s what we had, stomach and [gastrointestinal] pain, and a little bit of nausea,” Cornell said.

After weeks of trying different remedies, antibiotics, Immodium and lots and lots of tests, a doctor with Lee Health diagnosed Cornell.

“It came back positive for a parasite on fresh fruits and vegetables called Cyclosporiasis,” Cornell said.

Mary Beth Saunders is a doctor and system medical director for Lee Health. “Usually takes about a week after someone ingests Cyclospora to get sick. Sometimes it’s a little bit longer,” Saunders said.

Saunders didn’t treat Cornell but is very familiar with the parasite, as she is an infectious disease specialist. “It’s uncomfortable when people have it. And it usually clears on its own. But, for some people whose immune systems might not be quite as healthy as others, others, it can last for weeks or even months,” Cornell said.

It’s been about two months of Cornell living with her symptoms and she says some friends said they’d experienced similar things. “The Fort Myers friends came back with four to six of them saying, ‘Oh, my gosh, I have these symptoms, or my brother does, or my husband,'” Cornell said.

Diarrhea is the most common symptom but others include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Fatigue

Cornell isn’t quite sure how she got here, but she does have one idea. “I think I ate fresh cherries. Maybe I didn’t wash them well enough,” she said.

Cornell works in the medical field herself, and she recommends asking your doctor for a GI screening if you’ve had similar and ongoing symptoms. Dr. Saunders says to wash your hands with soap and water whenever handling fruits and vegetables. It not only helps with foodborne illness but as also as we continue to battle COVID-19.