The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has confirmed five cases of cyclospora in the county as federal, state and local health officials continue investigating multiple outbreaks of the parasite across the United States.
Health Director Kerry Kernen says the situation is still evolving. Four of the five cases were acquired within the U.S., while one was linked to international travel. Officials are interviewing those who became ill, but have not identified a common source or determined whether the local cases are connected to the national outbreaks.
Kernen says the county typically sees cyclospora cases during the summer months, and the current number of locally reported cases is not above average. Three additional travel-related cases were reported in June, but those are not considered part of the recent increase in U.S.-acquired infections.
Cyclospora is most commonly linked to contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water, and the illness does not spread from person to person. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea lasting for weeks or even months, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, cramping and nausea. Some people may also experience a low-grade fever or vomiting.
Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The CDC recommends washing hands before and after handling fresh produce, thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, and cooking food to at least 158 degrees to kill the parasite.