A luxurious summer event in Millbrook, New York, took an unexpected turn when a widespread stomach bug struck attendees of a high-profile gala. The picturesque upstate town, known for its affluent residents and lavish events, found itself grappling with a parasite outbreak that left many of its well-heeled inhabitants feeling under the weather, according to Page Six.
The incident occurred on June 15 at the Dutchess Land Conservancy’s annual Spring Barn Dance. What was meant to be a festive fundraiser quickly turned into a health crisis, with approximately 200 out of 400 attendees reporting symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that causes the diarrheal illness known as cyclosporiasis. People acquire this infection by consuming food or water contaminated with feces containing Cyclospora – a stark contrast to the refined atmosphere typically associated with Millbrook’s social events.
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 (relapse). It’s typical to feel rather drained.
The outbreak’s impact was significant, with locals dubbing it the “DLC plague.” It affected subsequent events in the area, including an international polo challenge, where attendees reportedly left early due to illness. The situation was described by one source as resembling a “zombie apocalypse,” with Fourth of July celebrations being notably subdued.
In a twist of dark humor, some residents found a silver lining in the outbreak. One local quipped about the unexpected weight loss, suggesting it as an alternative to popular weight loss drugs: “Who needs Ozempic when you have a parasite?” They noted that some attendees lost up to 12 pounds due to the illness.
The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, working with the New York State Department of Health, confirmed an ongoing investigation into the outbreak. While initial suspicions pointed to norovirus, health officials now believe Cyclospora may be the culprit, though this has not been conclusively determined.
Commenting on this story, one national Cyclospora lawyer said, “Even in the most upscale settings, basic food and water safety standards must be followed to protect the public’s health. A few lucky people infected with Cyclospora will not show symptoms, but most will experience multiple symptoms that can last for weeks and even months, often coming and going in cycles.” Cyclospora lawyer Tony Coveny, Ph.D., has filed numerous Cyclospora lawsuits over the years, and in most cases, the parasite was introduced in to the United States from produce imported from tropical climates.
As the investigation continues, Millbrook residents are likely to approach future events with heightened caution. The outbreak has certainly cast a shadow over the town’s summer festivities, proving that when it comes to public health, even the most exclusive communities are not immune to unexpected challenges.
