The summers here and with it we are seeing an uptick in cyclospora cases, including an outbreak in Colorado linked to a taco restaurant. Here’s everything we know about the Tacos del GNAR Cyclospora Outbreak:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora on the Western Slope. As of June 15, there have been 62 cases reported in Colorado since May 1, 2023. These cases have not resulted in any hospitalizations or deaths. Historically, Colorado has averaged 63 cases per year between 2017 and 2022. CDPHE is the lead agency on this investigation and is working closely with Ouray County Public Health to identify a possible source of the outbreak. CDPHE has communicated information about this outbreak to health care providers throughout the state. Health care providers must report all cases of cyclosporiasis to public health within four days.
At this time, public health officials have identified approximately 45 people who are likely associated with the outbreak who dined at the same restaurant, Tacos del GNAR, in Ridgway. People affected reported dining at Tacos del GNAR since May 1, 2023. Cyclospora outbreaks are typically the result of contaminated product — usually produce — in the supply chain rather than a result of food handling and/or cleaning practices at the restaurant. Tacos del GNAR is partnering with CDPHE in all aspects of the investigation. When informed of the outbreak, Tacos del GNAR disposed of and replaced all produce within the facility with different products.
Anyone who dined at Tacos del GNAR since May 1, 2023, and experienced or is still experiencing symptoms such as watery diarrhea should contact a health care provider as soon as possible to get tested for Cyclospora, which is typically treated with antibiotics. People who ate at the restaurant since May 1, 2023, whether they became ill or not, are asked to complete an online survey to help public health with the investigation into the cause of this outbreak.
What is Cyclospora?
One of the reasons we hear little about Cyclospora is that is it not a bacteria but actually a parasite. When we ingest food that has this nasty parasite on it, there are a few symptoms we need to be aware of. These symptoms can look a lot like food poisoning but need to be treated differently. These symptoms include:
As with food poisoning, it is important to seek medical help when one or more symptoms persist. Medical experts can not only determine what the problem is but can help get you on a speedy road to recovery.
One of the issues associated with Cyclospora is the time it can take before any symptoms appear. From the time of ingestion, it can take up to a week for any symptoms to show. Along with making it harder for health agencies to use Traceback information it also makes it more difficult for doctors to know how to treat. Taking the time to remember what types of food we have eaten when we do get sick is an important part of getting help.
What are the Symptoms of Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes food poisoning-like symptoms. Those sickened by the bug can expect a laundry list of gastrointestinal distress: bloating, stomach cramps, flatulence, nausea, and watery diarrhea are all common. They may feel faint. In serious cases, the illness can progress to vomiting or a moderate fever.
If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). It’s common to feel very tired.
Does Cyclospora Go Away On Its Own?
No. Cyclospora does not go away on its own. Left untreated, Cyclospora can last for months. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). People suffering from Cyclospora often feel very tired. Certain symptoms, like fatigue, have been known to persist after the rest of the illness has subsided.
Due to the life cycle of this particular bug, you may have periods between symptoms where you can be infectious (shedding the immature oocysts for future infection) but non-symptomatic.
In some cases, someone infected with Cyclospora may experience long-term complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, reactive arthritis, long-term malabsorption issues, and infection relapse.
How Do You Treat Cyclospora?
The recommended treatment for Cyclospora is a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim, according to the CDC. People who have diarrhea should also rest and drink plenty of fluids.
No highly effective alternative antibiotic regimen has been identified yet for patients who do not respond to the standard treatment or have a sulfa allergy.
Where Does Cyclospora Come From?
People become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with feces that contains the parasite. Cyclospora needs to be in the environment for about 1 to 2 weeks after being passed in stool to become infectious for another person. Because of this, it is not spread directly from one person to another.
Cyclospora is found in many parts of the world but is most common in tropical and subtropical regions. Foodborne outbreaks have been linked to various types of fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mesclun and romaine lettuce. No commercially frozen or canned produce has been connected to Cyclospora infections.
In the US, most cases of cyclosporiasis typically occur during May through August.
Recent Cyclospora Outbreaks
Cyclospora is usually caused by fresh vegetables and fruits. The source of this current Cyclospora outbreak is unknown. Investigators at the FDA and CDC are searching for the specific food products that caused this Cyclospora outbreak. Recent Cyclospora outbreaks have been caused by:
The Lange Law Firm Is Here To Help in this Tacos del GNAR Cyclospora Outbreak
We hope you never need us. But when you do, we’re here to help.
Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by food poisoning. When corporations cause Cyclospora food poisoning outbreaks, we use the law to hold them accountable.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC is the only law firm in the nation solely focused on representing families in food poisoning lawsuits and contaminated water lawsuits.
If you or your child was infected with Cyclospora or any other parasite and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we have a Cyclospora lawyer ready to help you. Call us for a free no obligation legal consultation at (833) 330-3663 or send us an e-mail here.
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