The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has just been notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that 92 Nebraska cyclosporiasis cases have been linked to an ongoing multi-state outbreak. Nebraska currently has 218 confirmed cases. 191 cases were acquired in the United States. Not all of these cases are related to this outbreak. The CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and public health officials nationwide are investigating a potential link to iceberg lettuce. On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled certain iceberg lettuce products sourced from Central Mexico. The CDC advises consumers not to eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Anyone who still has the recalled products should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which is typically spread through contaminated food or water, most commonly fresh fruits and vegetables. Previous outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. It is not spread from person to person. Symptoms usually develop one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks or longer and may come and go.
Unlike viruses and bacteria, Cyclospora is a parasite, making outbreaks more difficult to investigate. Standard laboratory methods that quickly connect many illnesses are less effective for parasites. Instead, public health officials rely on detailed interviews with patients, epidemiologic analysis, and coordination among local, state, and federal partners to identify a common source. Because people often become sick days or even weeks after eating contaminated food, accurately remembering what they ate can be challenging. Cases may also occur over an extended period and across multiple states, making it more difficult to identify a shared exposure.
