Iowa Cyclospora outbreak rises to 39 cases

In a follow-up to the rapidly changing Cyclospora outbreak in the Hawkeye State, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the number of cases of the parasitic infection to be 39 as of July 11.

This is up from 22 cases three days earlier.

Linn County (red), Iowa
Image/David Benbennick

Linn County accounts for nearly half of the cases at 19.  Other counties reporting cases include Fayette County – 3 cases, Polk County – 3 cases, Dallas County – 2 cases, Mills County – 2 cases, O’Brien County – 2 cases, Webster County – 2 cases, Benton County – 1 case, Black Hawk County – 1 case, Des Moines County – 1 case, Johnson County – 1 case, Pottawattamie County – 1 case and Van Buren County – 1 case.

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. Cyclospora infection causes a watery diarrhea that lasts an average of 57 days, if untreated.

The IDPH reports the source of this outbreak is unknown at this time.  IDPH is working with local public health agencies to interview individuals who are ill to determine if there is a common food exposure that would indicate the source of illness.

Cluster investigations have also begun, which asks questions of both the ill person and their family and friends who are not ill, to determine what the well people did not eat.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. People living or traveling in countries where cyclosporiasis is endemic may be at increased risk for infection.

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