MOREHEAD, Ky. — Kentucky continues to see cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, with five confirmed cases reported in Rowan County in the latest statewide figures.
According to figures released by the Kentucky Department for Public Health and reported by WKYT, 605 cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statewide, while a total of 842 cases have been reported.
The number of confirmed cases increased by more than 100 in one week, up from 502 confirmed cases the previous week.
Morehead Minute Coverage Area
Among the eight counties regularly covered by The Morehead Minute, confirmed cases are currently reported as follows:
Rowan County — 5
Fleming County — 1
Lewis County — 2
Morgan County — 1
Menifee County — 2
Carter County — No confirmed cases listed
Elliott County — No confirmed cases listed
Bath County — No confirmed cases listed
That amounts to 11 confirmed cases among the eight-county coverage area based on the latest published county totals.
It is important to note that a county not appearing on the list does not necessarily mean there have been no illnesses or suspected cases there. The figures represent the confirmed cases included in the latest state data.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite.
Symptoms can include prolonged or frequent diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Some people may also experience vomiting, body aches, headaches or fever.
Symptoms can persist for weeks and may disappear and then return if the infection is not treated.
Unlike some other gastrointestinal illnesses, Cyclospora is generally not spread directly from one person to another because the parasite requires time after being passed in stool before it becomes infectious.
Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other concerning gastrointestinal symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.
Statewide, 85 Kentucky counties are represented among the 605 confirmed cases in the latest figures.
The Morehead Minute will continue to follow developments affecting Rowan County and the surrounding region as additional information becomes available.
This health update is made possible by our partners at Fresh Start Health.
