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A new Cyclospora outbreaks update involving the three existing Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreaks indicates movement in traceback investigation activities.
For the past few weeks, three Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreaks have been listed on the active FDA outbreak list. Now, a recent Cyclospora outbreaks update combines two of them and adds a significant number of cases to the third.
The most recent Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak was announced on August 7, 2024, with a total of two cases. A subsequent update increased the associated case count by tenfold. What started out as two cases in outbreak reference number 1245 has now been changed to 21.
A significant leap.
This investigation is still in the traceback steps. However, no food sampling or facility inspection has been performed yet.
This means that the agency is still sifting through epidemiological data to identify a common link between outbreak patients.
Two Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreaks were announced July 31, 2024. In a recent Cyclospora outbreaks update combines those two outbreaks.
Cases from outbreak reference number 1239 were added to outbreak reference number 1237.
According to the update, this was ”based on traceback information from the FDA’s investigation and epidemiology provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
This means that despite potentially observing two different strains of Cyclospora cayetanensis organisms in outbreak patients, enough overlapping epidemiological data or geographical information led investigators to rethink the structure of the outbreak.
With the two outbreaks combined, paired with additional reported illnesses, there are currently at least 44 illnesses associated with this outbreak as of the last update.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic organism that can make people sick. Unlike most other foodborne pathogens, Cyclospora is a parasite.
Like other parasites, Cyclospora requires a host to survive.
This parasite uses the human body to incubate and reproduce, creating an environment suitable to transmit its progeny to the next step in its life cycle.
Humans are the only known host for Cyclospora parasites. No other animal appears susceptible to this infection.
Fortunately, however, infections between humans are not contagious. This is due to the distinct conditions needed in the parasite’s life cycle.
The life cycle of a Cyclospora organism requires two distinct environments to complete. One requires the environmental conditions inside the host (human) digestive system. The other requires specific conditions outside of the host body in the environment.
The host phase of the Cyclospora life cycle begins when a person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the parasite in the appropriate phase of its life cycle. These tiny parasites find their way to the small intestine, where the oocysts invade the epithelial cells in the intestinal walls.
Here, Cyclospora oocysts undergo a reproductive process that ends in the creation of unsporulated oocysts. These unsporulated oocysts release into the feces (poop) resulting in watery diarrhea. This watery diarrhea moves these oocysts to the next phase of their life cycle.
The second phase of the Cyclospora life cycle takes place outside the host. This phase requires very specific environmental conditions not available inside the host body.
Unsporulated oocysts require around seven to 15 days at a temperature of 73° F to 77° F for sporulation to occur. Once sporulated, the parasite becomes infectious again.
All it takes is for a small amount of these sporulated Cyclospora parasites to contaminate fresh produce or water and become ingested by a human host for the cycle to start again.
With no known food source and growing case count with each Cyclospora outbreaks update notification, you may be wondering if the digestive issue you may be experiencing could be a Cyclospora infection.
The most commonly associated symptom with Cyclospora illness is watery diarrhea, with “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.” The other is fatigue. Most people with Cyclospora infections report feeling very tired.
Other symptoms may include:
Some people who are infected with Cyclospora parasites have no symptoms at all. For those that do, on the other hand, symptoms may appear to resolve. Only to return again and again.
These relapses are quite common with Cyclospora infections. Likely due to the nature of this parasite’s life cycle.
Without proper treatment, these relapses can continue for a long time.
The only way to get appropriate treatment is to have a proper diagnosis.
Cyclospora infections are diagnosed with a stool (poop) sample. However, diagnosis can be challenging.
Due to the irregular shedding of unsporulated oocysts, even symptomatic patients may not shed enough organisms to be easily detectable. In many cases, several samples must be analyzed over the course of several days to capture a potentially positive result.
Additionally, Cyclospora infections are often overlooked because it is not a routinely conducted test in most U.S. Laboratories. If you suspect you may have a Cyclospora infection, notify your healthcare provider of your potential exposure risks so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be performed.
Historically, one of the most common methods of diagnosing Cyclospora infections is performing an acid-fast stain on a slide and view the specimen under the microscope. This method requires a concentration step to increase sensitivity of the test and relies on the technician’s eyes to identify oocysts.
Cyclospora oocysts appear blue or green against a black background when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Some diagnostic methods involve analyzing specimens under a UV fluorescence microscope. This method also relies on the technician’s eyes to identify oocysts.
A more modern approach using a molecular diagnostic test known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis is also an option. PCR is a genetic test looking for specific genes in the sample. A test specific to known genetic material of Cyclospora would be added to the panel, if requested.
With an unaccounted-for food source in two separate Cyclospora outbreaks, the next Cyclospora outbreaks update could use your help.
If you have become sick with symptoms consistent with a Cyclospora infection, your data could help identify the source and prevent further illnesses.
The more epidemiological data investigators have, the faster a source can be identified. Get tested today to help your local foodborne illness investigators.
Have you been significantly impacted by this Cyclospora outbreak? The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Cyclospora Lawyer that can help!
You want experienced representation, skilled at handling cases just like yours. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully recovered millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases, and they can help you too.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation. Get answers today!
By: Heather Can Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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