Allegheny County reports 35 cyclosporiasis cases, 2 hospitalizations as officials probe connection to outbreak - CBS News

What the report says

CBS News reported that Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has recorded 35 cases of cyclosporiasis, including two hospitalizations, while local officials await confirmation on whether any of the illnesses are connected to a broader multistate outbreak. The Allegheny County Health Department said the case count was current as of Sunday night, but it had not yet received enough information from state and federal authorities to link the local cases to the outbreak under investigation.

According to the report, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed Friday that several cases in the state are associated with the wider outbreak involving iceberg lettuce. Health officials have identified illnesses in nine states, while suspecting multiple cyclospora-related outbreaks across 41 states. CBS cited figures of more than 4,100 laboratory-confirmed cases and 7,400 suspected cases since May 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said officials believe the implicated iceberg lettuce came from a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico. Although a recall has occurred, CBS reported that confirmed case counts may continue to increase because determining whether a patient is part of the outbreak can take up to six weeks.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the cyclospora parasite. Symptoms typically include severe diarrhea and may begin about a week after exposure, though onset can take up to two weeks. The Allegheny County Health Department advised residents to maintain hand hygiene, wash produce carefully, cook produce when possible and seek testing and treatment for prolonged diarrheal illness.