Douglas County officials: ‘Rapid’ Cyclospora surge reported, Taco Bell emerges as top exposure

Officials said Douglas County epidemiologists have identified eating at Taco Bell as the most common exposure for the cases reported in the area.

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Douglas County officials report ‘rapid’ Cyclospora surge as Taco Bell emerges as top exposure

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. —

The Douglas County Health Department reported a “rapid increase” in Cyclospora infections in the area.

Officials said Monday that 27 total cases have been identified among Douglas County residents, including 12 unconfirmed cases in the past four days.

Epidemiologists are working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine if the cases in Douglas County are part of the Cyclospora outbreak, according to the Douglas County Health Department.

deputy health director and chief of epidemiology & preparedness for the Douglas County Health Department, Dr. Justin Frederick, said Monday alone they received 10 new cases. “We have Cyclospora every summer, so it’s not unusual to see it, but it’s very unusual to see this level of activity in such a short period of time,” Dr. Frederick said.

Officials said epidemiologists have identified eating at Taco Bell as the most common exposure, with nearly two-thirds of the people interviewed reporting eating at the fast food restaurant during the two weeks before becoming ill.

“I think the big thing to remember that this is this remains an active investigation, for public health,” said Dr. Frederick. “So while eating, Taco Bell has been identified as, the most common exposure among cases we’ve interviewed to date. Identifying a common exposure is only one step in the investigative process.”

Cases of the intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite are surging across the U.S., with nearly 7,000 cases confirmed or under investigation since May 1, according to data published Tuesday by the CDC. States have reported at least 180 hospitalizations.

“Cyclospora is not uncommon during the summer months; however, the number of cases reported over the past several days is higher than we would typically expect in such a short period of time,” Dr. Frederick said in a statement. “Our investigation has identified eating at Taco Bell as the most common exposure among the cases interviewed to date. We have shared these findings with our state and federal public health partners and will continue working together to determine whether Douglas County cases are associated with the ongoing multistate outbreak. As our investigation continues, we are committed to providing timely updates and helping residents make informed decisions to protect their health.”

Cyclosporiasis is not usually spread directly from person to person. Instead, people can become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, the CDC says.

People with cyclosporiasis may have symptoms that include watery diarrhea, cramping and bloating for weeks.

Residents experiencing prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. If you have any questions, you can contact the Douglas County Health Department at 402-444-7471.

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