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(Omaha, NE) -- The Douglas County Health Department releases updated cyclospora numbers.
71 confirmed cases of cyclospora infections have been identified, up from 45 cases reported in the DCHD’s previous public update. County epidemiologists continue working closely with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Nationally, CDC and FDA continue investigating a multistate outbreak associated with contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The outbreak currently includes nine states, with nearly 2,000 laboratory-confirmed illnesses and 98 hospitalizations.
Thousands of additional cyclospora illnesses reported nationwide remain under investigation to determine whether they are associated with the outbreak.
Although Nebraska has not yet been officially included in the CDC’s multistate outbreak investigation, DCHD’s epidemiologic findings closely mirror those identified nationally. Based on the available evidence, DCHD believes Douglas County cases are likely associated with the same contaminated product and continues working with CDC to confirm that determination.
“Our investigation strongly indicates that Douglas County cases are associated with the same national outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce,” said Dr. Justin Frederick, Deputy Health Director and Chief of Epidemiology & Preparedness for the Douglas County Health Department. “While we’re awaiting CDC’s final confirmation, the evidence continues to point in that direction. We’re also encouraged that illness onset dates suggest the outbreak is slowing locally, even though additional cases may continue to be identified because of Cyclospora’s incubation period and prolonged illness.”
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure and commonly include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, increased gas, and low-grade fever.
Without treatment, illness can last for several weeks or even months. Because of cyclospora’s delayed onset and prolonged illness, new cases may continue to be identified even as the outbreak subsides.
The FDA continues to advise consumers not to eat recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Anyone who still has recalled product should discard it or return it to the place of purchase.
Consumers should also thoroughly wash and sanitize refrigerator shelves, drawers, containers, cutting boards, utensils, and other food-contact surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled lettuce.
Anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclospora infection should seek medical care. Cyclospora is diagnosed through specialized laboratory testing and is effectively treated with prescription antibiotics.
Early diagnosis and treatment can shorten the duration of illness and help prevent ongoing symptoms.
(Picture from Getty Images)