Fourteen more cases of cyclospora infection were reported Friday to Nebraska and Iowa public health officials, adding to the 12 that had come in over the past several days.
Officials still are trying to determine the source of the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, which causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. They’re telling physicians to be aware of the illness and to test specifically for the parasite
The new Nebraska cases appear to be from the eastern part of the state, as did the earlier cases, according to a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Most of the new Iowa cases were from central and eastern Iowa, said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health. One case, she said, involved an Iowan who was tested in Omaha.
Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting food or water that is contaminated with feces. People living or traveling in tropical or subtropical regions of the world may be at increased risk for infection because cyclosporiasis is found in those areas. Foodborne outbreaks of the illness in the U.S. have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas and mesclun lettuce.
People need to wash all fresh produce, health officials said.
The symptoms of cyclospora infection can last for weeks in otherwise healthy people. They include fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal cramping and a low-grade fever.
People with compromised immune symptoms will have more severe and longer-lasting symptoms
What is cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite made of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. This parasite causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
How is cyclospora spread?
Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting something, such as food or water, that is contaminated with feces. Cyclospora needs days to weeks after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that cyclospora is passed directly from one person to another.
Who is at risk for cyclospora infection?
People living or traveling in tropical or subtropical regions of the world may be at increased risk for infection because cyclosporiasis is found in some countries in the zones. In the United States, food-borne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce.
What should I do if I think I might be infected with cyclospora?
See your health care provider.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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