Nebraska health officials investigate spike in Cyclospora cases linked to fast-food chain

Douglas County health officials said a sharp rise in Cyclospora infections has been recorded in the area, bringing the total to 27 confirmed cases among residents, including 12 cases identified in the past four days. Epidemiologists are collaborating with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine whether the local cases are part of the multistate outbreak that has produced nearly 7,000 cases nationwide since early May.

"Cyclospora is not uncommon during the summer months; however, the number of cases reported over the past several days is higher than we would typically expect in such a short period of time," said Dr. Justin Frederick, deputy health director and chief of epidemiology and preparedness for the Douglas County Health Department. He added that interviews indicated eating at Taco Bell was the most common exposure, reported by almost two-thirds of those surveyed.

The parasite, which causes watery diarrhea, cramping and bloating that can last for weeks, is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water rather than person-to-person contact. Past outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce. Health officials advise residents with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to contact their healthcare provider and provide a phone number for the county health department for further information.