OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Amid a recent outbreak of Cyclospora, the Douglas County Health Department is tallying cases in the area.
A release from the DCHD says 27 confirmed cases have been identified, including 12 cases reported over the last four days.
The DCHD says they are working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine whether Douglas County’s cases are associated with the ongoing multistate outbreak.
Epidemiologists say eating at Taco Bell was the most common exposure among cases interviewed to date, with nearly two-thirds of cases reporting eating at the restaurant two weeks before becoming sick.
According to the release, Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. People typically become ill about one week after consuming contaminated food or water.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach cramps and bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
Without treatment, illness can persist for several weeks or longer, and symptoms may come and go.
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