What to Know
- Previous cyclosporiasis cases have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce.
- A the parasite appears to be the culprit behind a rash of illness reports connected to a party at the Evanston Golf Club.
- The infection can be treated with specific antibiotics, officials said.
An Independence Day party at a Skokie country club might be connected to a “large number” of stomach parasite cases, the Pioneer Press reported.
The village’s health department told the newspaper a party on July 3 held at the Evanston Golf Club (which is in Skokie) saw 900 people in attendance.
Skokie health officials told the paper the outbreak appeared to be cyclospora—which doesn’t show symptoms until a week after contact.
The general manager declined to comment, the paper reported, citing an ongoing investigation. A Skokie health official was not available to comment to NBC 5 Thursday afternoon.
Nearly 100 cases of the intestinal illness were also reported to be connected to McDonald’s salads throughout Illinois, the state’s health department said last week.
According to Illinois health officials, people can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces that contains Cyclospora. The parasite is not spread directly from one person to another.
Local
Previous cyclosporiasis cases have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce including raspberries, basil, snow peas and lettuce.
Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, official said, but some people who are infected may not have any. Symptoms may include:
• Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea (the most common symptom)
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
• Nausea (vomiting is less common)
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
The infection can be treated with specific antibiotics, officials said. If not treated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer.
