Iowa-grown fruits or vegetables not suspected as cause of cyclospora outbreak
Some good news was reported from the Iowa Department of Public Health today concerning the Cyclospora outbreak that began this summer.
First, health officials are saying the number of cases reported is decreasing. The current case count in the state stands at 81 as of June 16. At least five people required hospitalization for their illness.
In addition, although the source of the outbreak has yet to be pinpointed, at no time was an Iowa-grown fruit or vegetable suspected to be the cause of the outbreak.
“We know fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) has been implicated in previous Cyclospora outbreaks, and interviews with those who have been ill indicate vegetables were probably the source of this outbreak,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “The illness onset dates, coupled with the shelf life of fresh produce, make it very likely the vegetable that was the source of the outbreak has already been eaten or thrown away, and will not cause anyone else to become ill.”
Health officials remind the public it is always a good idea to wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
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[…] In neighboring Iowa to the east, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported today that the number of confirmed cases has risen to 87, up from 81 the day prior. […]