Two Cases Of Cyclospora Confirmed in Mills County

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Centers for Disease Control and local public health agencies are continuing investigations into an outbreak of an intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora (a rare parasite).

As of Monday, 71 cases of Cyclospora infections have been reported statewide, including two in Mills County. Almost all cases have been identified through testing at the State Hygienic Lab.

Additional cases have been identified in Nebraska and other Midwestern states. IDPH is coordinating the investigation with public health officials in those states. The investigation is ongoing and no specific source of exposure has been identified. However, fresh produce (fresh fruits and vegetables) have been implicated in previous outbreaks. Washing fresh produce is recommended; however, it can be very difficult to wash Cyclospora off all types of produce. People become infected with cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Most people’s illness began in mid to late June, and at least one person has been hospitalized. Many people report still being ill with diarrhea and some have had relapses. The diarrhea can last an average of 57 days if untreated.

Specific treatment is available (but it is not typically used for more common diarrheal illnesses). Also, very specific laboratory testing (not commonly ordered) must be done to detect Cyclospora.

Mills County Public Health Administrator Sheri Bowen said the two people identified with Cyclospora in Mills County have received treatment and are doing well.

Symptoms of Cyclospora include watery diarrhea, fatigue and severe tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and low-grade fever.

Any person who believes they may have Cyclospora should contact their physician or another health professional.

Linn County has the highest number of confirmed cases in Iowa at 30. Polk County had five cases.
Besides Mills County, the only other case in southwest Iowa was confirmed in Pottawattamie County.

Additional information about Cyclospora is available from Mills County Public Health or online at www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/DiseaseIndex.aspx?disease=Cyclospora.