Iowa & Nebraska: Cyclospora outbreaks

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/ar...earch-source-parasite-outbreak?nclick_check=1


Officials search for source of parasite outbreak
7 Iowans in 5 counties have been infected and suffered severe diarrhea
Jul. 4, 2013 |
Written by
Tony Leys

Consumers are being urged to carefully wash their produce as public health officials hunt for the source of a parasite that has caused severe diarrhea in at least seven Iowans.

The cyclospora infections have been confirmed in five counties in the past two weeks, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Wednesday. Only 10 such cases had been reported in the state in the previous 20 years...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Iowa & Nebraska: Cyclospora outbreaks

Source: http://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2013/cyclospora-outbreak-in-nebraska-and-iowa/

Cyclospora Outbreak in Nebraska and Iowa
July 8, 2013 by Kathy Will Leave a Comment

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa Department of Public Health have both announced that there is an outbreak of cyclospora, a rare parasite, in those states...

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Iowa & Nebraska: Cyclospora outbreaks

[Source: Iowa Department of Health, full page: (LINK). Edited.]


Indiana Department of Public Health Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation Continues


The Iowa Department of Public Health, CDC and local public health agencies are investigating an outbreak of an intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora (a rare parasite).

As of today, July 12, 45 cases of Cyclospora infections have been reported to IDPH; almost all have been identified through testing at the State Hygienic Lab (SHL), including:

• Linn County - 21 cases
• Fayette County - 3 cases
• Polk County - 3 cases
• O?Brien County - 3 cases
• Dallas County - 2 cases
• Mills County - 2 cases
• Webster County - 2 cases
• Des Moines County - 2 cases
• Benton County - 1 case
• Black Hawk County - 1 case
• Buchanan - 1 case
• Johnson County - 1 case
• Pottawattamie County - 1 case
• Van Buren County - 1 case
• Woodbury - 1 case

Cyclosporiasis illness occurs when an individual consumes food or water contaminated with the parasite. Fresh fruits and vegetables are typically associated with Cyclospora outbreaks. While the source of this outbreak has not been determined, the investigation, which includes epidemiological interviews with those who have been ill, indicates fresh vegetables, not fruit, are implicated as a likely source.

Most people?s illness began in mid to late June and at least one person has been hospitalized. Many people report still being ill with diarrhea and some have had relapses. Specific treatment is available (but it is not typically used for more common diarrheal illnesses). Also, very specific laboratory testing (not commonly ordered) must be done to detect Cyclospora.

Additional cases have been identified in Nebraska and other Midwestern states. IDPH is coordinating the investigation with public health officials in those states. Washing fresh produce is recommended; however, it can be very difficult to wash Cyclospora off all types of produce.

Cyclosporiasis causes a watery diarrhea that lasts an average of 57 days if untreated. Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue (severe tiredness)
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Increased gas
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Low-grade fever

For more information, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/EHI/Issue.aspx?issue=Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation&pg=Investigation Home.


Contact Information: Polly Carver-Kimm at (515) 281-6693


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[Shiloh]

Re: Iowa & Nebraska: Cyclospora outbreaks

Source: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/ar...ion-numbers-still-climbing-expected-wane-soon


Cyclospora infection numbers still climbing, but expected to wane soon
Jul. 18, 2013 |
Written by
Tony Leys

Infection numbers from a food-borne parasite continue to climb, though authorities believe the cases soon will ebb.

By today, Iowa has logged 102 confirmed cases of cyclospora infection. That was up from 81 on Wednesday. Linn County continues to have by far the most cases, with 34. Polk County has nine, Pottawattamie County has eight and many other counties have one to four...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Iowa & Nebraska: Cyclospora outbreaks

Source: http://www.nebraska.tv/story/22885515/more-nebraskans-reporting-rare-food-borne-illness


More Nebraskans Reporting Rare Food-Borne Illness
Posted: Jul 19, 2013 12:12 PM EDT Updated: Jul 19, 2013 12:12 PM EDT
By Jordan Onwiler, Web Producer - email

The number of people reporting a food-borne intestinal illness believed to have come from contaminated vegetables has climbed to 62 in Nebraska.

An outbreak of cyclosporiasis is confined mostly to eastern Nebraska, specifically Douglas County... Three people in Nebraska were hospitalized due to the illness but have since been released...