Cyclospora cases have increased in Douglas County, health officials say - WOWT

What the report says

WOWT reported that Cyclospora infections in Douglas County, Nebraska, have continued to climb, with the Douglas County Health Department now counting 45 cases. The department said that total is up from a prior report of 27 cases, signaling a notable local increase in the intestinal illness in the Omaha-area county.

According to WOWT, Nebraska’s cases have not yet been formally included in the ongoing multistate outbreak investigation. The Douglas County Health Department is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to determine whether local illnesses are connected to the same source under review elsewhere.

WOWT reported that federal investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as the most likely source in the multistate outbreak, based on epidemiological findings and product traceback work. Local investigators are still examining whether Douglas County patients were exposed to that contaminated product. Cyclospora is a parasite often linked in outbreaks to fresh produce; symptoms can include watery diarrhea, appetite and weight loss, cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever, typically beginning about a week after exposure.

The health department is encouraging people who think they may be infected to seek testing, and cases may also be self-reported through the county health department’s website. Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse told WOWT that cooking produce is an effective way to address Cyclospora risk in this situation. She also advised restaurant diners to ask about lettuce sourcing and suggested that fast-food customers consider ordering items without lettuce for now.