Outbreak

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has confirmed an outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has affected more than 100 people in Wake County, according to WRAL. The outbreak was identified in July, though the specific contaminated food item has not yet been identified.

According to DHHS, the outbreak appears to be over, but the investigation is ongoing into the source of the Cyclospora parasite. A spokeswoman for the department stated, “We have not identified the specific contaminated food item, and the outbreak appears to be over.”

The Wake County Health Department reported that 134 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported since May. While three restaurants were under investigation, officials said they do not believe the restaurants were the cause of the outbreak. Instead, the investigation suggests that herbs and vegetables may be the source.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes the diarrheal illness known as cyclosporiasis. People acquire this infection by consuming food or water contaminated with feces containing Cyclospora.  

Symptoms widely vary and include diarrhea that both occurs frequently and interspersed with constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss, long term fatigue, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, fever, and more.  If the illness is not treated, it may last from a few days to a month or more. The symptoms may appear to go away only to return at a later time.

After her daughter first experienced symptoms in June, a woman then fell ill a few weeks later on July 11.  They regularly eat at a restaurant that was being investigated in connection with the outbreak.

The woman described her symptoms, which included incredible body aches, chills, a constant stomach ache, lack of appetite, acid reflux, and burping. She was later tested and found to have cyclosporiasis.

A doctor with Duke Health stated that in most cases, the body will fight off the infection on its own after a few days of symptoms. However, in some individuals, particularly those who are immunocompromised, treatment with the antibiotic bactrim may be necessary.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people can be infected with Cyclospora more than once, but direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely. 

Last month, Food Poisoning News reported on a cyclospora outbreak in Millbrook, New York, which affected approximately 200 attendees of a high-profile gala event.

Commenting on this story, one national cyclospora lawyer said, “Cyclosporiasis is rarely fatal but can cause a wide range of very uncomfortable symptoms.  To limit spread, I recommend consumers wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating.”