Health department officials are investigating 11 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in Shelby County.

Cyclosporiasis has made national headlines recently thanks to the nature of the illness, which can cause “explosive diarrhea,” according to the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

County health officials said in a news release that it “is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.”

Cyclospora has local restaurateurs, home cooks rethinking what’s on the menu

People can be infected if they consume food or water with that parasite.

“While we continue our investigation, we encourage residents to take precautions when preparing fresh fruits and vegetables and to seek medical attention if they experience prolonged or severe diarrhea,” Dr. Bruce Randolph, interim health director and health officer for the Shelby County Health Department, said in a prepared statement. “Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics, which can shorten the course of the illness.”

Of the 11 confirmed cases, four people contracted the illness during international travel, six got it from traveling outside the county and one is still being investigated, officials said.

County and state health officials say that along with diarrhea, the following symptoms could occur:

• Loss of appetite,
• Weight loss,
• Stomach cramps or bloating,
• Nausea,
• Fatigue,
• Low-grade fever.

These symptoms may occur for weeks and come and go without treatment, according to the health department release.

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The health department “recommends residents wash their hands with soap and water before and after preparing food, rinse fresh produce under running water, refrigerate cut produce promptly, stay hydrated if ill and contact a healthcare provider if diarrhea is prolonged or severe.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is linking a potential cause of the outbreak to lettuce at Taylor Farms de Mexico, but NPR reported in recent days that a previous FDA test of lettuce from that supplier did not test positive for cyclospora cayetanensis.

Taco Bell locations in five states — Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia — were using that lettuce in recent weeks, NPR reported.

Taco Bell officials announced that as of July 17, they’ve removed lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at all their locations.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that from May 1 through July 20, there were 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases in 41 states.