OhioHealth Physician Helps Community Recognize Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis and When To Seek Care

OhioHealth Physician Helps Community Recognize Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis and When To Seek Care

Key Takeaways:

• Christopher Johnson, DO, of OhioHealth Family Medicine, is educating the community on symptoms, risks and when to seek care.
• People should wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to help reduce infection risk.
• Symptoms can come and go in waves and may last more than a month without treatment.
• Higher-risk groups include older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness and those with kidney issues.
• Hydration and electrolyte balance are especially important during illness and recovery.

As cases of Cyclosporiasis continue to rise across Ohio, OhioHealth Family Medicine Physician Christopher Johnson, DO, is helping educate the community about the outbreak, its symptoms and when to seek medical care.

The Columbus Dispatch recently spoke with Dr. Johnson as Ohio ranks among the states with the highest reported cases of cyclosporiasis. While the illness is not typically life-threatening, it can still cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common include stomach pain and cramps, intense diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite cyclospora and is most commonly spread through contaminated fresh produce or untreated water. While health officials are still investigating the source of the current outbreak, experts recommend washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce the risk of the infection.

Dr. Johnson told the Dispatch that individuals who believe have the illness should seek medical care so they can be tested and receive appropriate treatment. Without treatment, symptoms come and go in waves and can last for more than a month.

"Elderly people, children, pregnant women and those with disabilities or chronic illness can be more severely impacted by cyclosporiasis. People with kidney issues should be especially careful and seek medical care right away, as dehydration can be particularly detrimental," Dr. Johnson told the Dispatch.

Because hydration is one of the biggest concerns with cyclosporiasis, people with existing kidney disease may be at greater risk for complications. The kidneys play a vital role in keeping the body balanced by filtering waste and regulating fluid and electrolyte levels, making proper hydration especially important during recovery.

"Even if you are cured of the illness," Dr. Johnson said, "you should still prioritize rest and hydration as your body recovers from fighting the parasite. Don't plan on being at work the day after the diarrhea stops."

Cyclosporiasis is typically treated with the antibiotic trimenthoprim-sulfamenthoxazole, commonly sold under the brand names Bactrim, Cotrim and Septra. Along with the antibiotic, Dr. Johnson encourages patients to stay well hydrated.

"Anyone with the illness should be vigilant about hydrating, resting and keeping electrolyte levels up," Dr. Johnson said.

As public health officials continue to investigate the outbreak, OhioHealth encourages anyone experiencing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical care for evaluation and treatment.