Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on August 9, 2024
Cary, North Carolina Cyclospora outbreak sickens more than 100 people.
Health officials are investigating a cyclosporiasis infection outbreak that has sickened over 100 people so far. A Cary, North Carolina Cyclospora outbreak lawsuit is coming.
Here’s what you need to know.
At least 134 people have become sick since the start of the Cary, North Carolina Cyclospora outbreak this summer.
Reports indicate that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) believe the Cyclospora outbreak in July 2024 may be linked to three restaurants, however a source has not yet been identified.
This has led officials to believe that the outbreak may be linked to a common food product or ingredient instead.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite responsible for the intestinal illness, cyclosporiasis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. These infections are not usually life-threatening. However, some people may experience severe symptoms and ongoing relapses if the illness is not properly diagnosed and treated.
In some cases, Cyclospora infection may be so mild, an infected person may not experience symptoms. They will, however, pass on Cyclospora spores in their feces (poop).
This parasite infects the small intestine (bowel) and causes watery diarrhea with frequent (and sometimes explosive) bowel movements. Most people with Cyclospora infections report feeling very tired.
Other symptoms may include:
Symptoms of Cyclospora infection usually begin within a week of exposure. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that illness onset may range from two days to two weeks, or even longer.
Without appropriate treatment, illness will likely relapse several times. Seek medical attention if you experience Cyclospora infection symptoms.
In some cases, those infected with Cyclospora may experience certain long-term complications.
These complications may include:
The unique lifecycle of the Cyclospora parasite affects how it becomes infectious.
Fortunately, Cyclospora infections are not directly contagious like other foodborne pathogens (norovirus, E. coli, Salmonella, etc.) Cyclospora is spread by consuming food or drinks that have already been contaminated with feces.
Why?
This is because Cyclospora parasites release unsporulated oocysts in their feces. In this form, the parasite is not infectious.
It takes anywhere from a week or two (under optimal conditions) for those oocysts to become sporulated and infectious. Therefore, direct person-to-person transmission is very unlikely.
Infection usually takes place when a food or drink becomes contaminated. For instance, a contaminated water supply is used to irrigate crops.
The Cary, North Carolina Cyclospora outbreak does not have a confirmed food source at this time. While any food could be potentially contaminated with Cyclospora microorganisms, certain foods have a long history of association with the parasite.
Cyclospora outbreaks have been associated with several fresh produce items used in many restaurants over the past 10 years.
Previous Cyclospora Outbreaks:
Other notable Cyclospora outbreaks have been associated with mesclun lettuce, raspberries, snow peas, and raw oysters.
Most Cyclospora outbreaks never traceback to a specific food source before data dries up and the outbreak investigation comes to a close. This is often because not enough information is available to track down the source.
If you have become sick with Cyclospora symptoms and live in the area of this Cary, North Carolina Cyclospora outbreak you may be able to help the investigation.
Even if you experience mild symptoms, reporting your illness can help provide more information to the investigation.
To confirm your illness, you will need specialized diagnostic tests. Tell your healthcare provider the symptoms you are experiencing. Notify them that you may be involved in the recent Cary, North Carolina Cyclospora outbreak so that the appropriate panel of tests can be ordered and performed.
Getting an accurate diagnosis will also help your healthcare provider prescribe the appropriate medication to get you feeling better faster. For example, antibiotics will not help a parasite infection. Without specific treatment, your illness may linger and even relapse for several months.
Report your illness to your local health department. In an ongoing outbreak investigation, information is gold!
If you have been diagnosed with a Cyclospora infection, your information will likely be forwarded to the appropriate agency. However, the fresher your recent food history is in your mind, the more accurate it will be.
Your local health department will likely ask you a series of questions that will help them identify trends between your experiences and others involved in the outbreak.
Be prepared when you meet with outbreak investigators. While the information is fresh in your mind, make a list of the foods and drinks you have consumed in the two weeks before falling ill.
Be as specific as possible.
Include where you purchased them, where you ate, and whether you dined in or took food home from a restaurant.
Complete the picture with receipts and/or leftover food samples. Your health department may also ask you for any shopping cards you use at your local stores to check your purchase history.
If you or a loved one was infected with Cyclospora or any other foodborne illness and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, the experienced team at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. A Cyclospora lawyer knows how to handle your case and answer questions you may have about the process.
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free, no obligation legal consultation or click here to send an email.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)