LAS VEGAS (FOX5) —The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a second case of cyclosporiasis in a Clark County resident who likely acquired the illness while traveling to a state connected to an ongoing multistate outbreak.
According to a release sent Wednesday, the resident traveled during the exposure period before returning to Clark County. Health officials said there is no evidence that exposure occurred in Clark County or elsewhere in Nevada. Six total cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Clark County this year, with only two being linked to the outbreak so far.
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“This additional case underscores the importance of remaining aware of foodborne illness risks, particularly when an outbreak is affecting multiple states,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Residents should monitor current recall information and contact a health care provider if they develop persistent watery diarrhea, especially after traveling or eating food associated with the outbreak.”
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Multistate outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multistate outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. As of July 20, the CDC reported 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases and 308 hospitalizations across 41 states.
The FDA’s traceback investigation identified Taylor Farms as the supplier of the shredded iceberg lettuce. Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico, including products sold in retail stores and distributed to restaurants and other food service customers.
“Cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water after spending over a week in warm moist environmental conditions to become infectious. Because person-to-person spread is unlikely, prevention focuses on avoiding contaminated fresh produce, making national outbreaks a sign of food supply contamination,” said Dr. Lockett.
What to do with lettuce
Health officials advise consumers not to eat lettuce included in the recall. When purchasing iceberg lettuce that is not recalled, officials recommend choosing whole heads rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce. For whole heads, consumers should discard the outer two or three layers, separate the remaining leaves and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
Additional food safety steps recommended by the Health District include:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling produce.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
- Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush.
- Peel produce when appropriate after washing.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked produce as soon as possible.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces or containers that have come into contact with recalled lettuce.
Cooking produce thoroughly is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection. Washing produce can reduce, but does not eliminate, the risk of Cyclospora contamination.
Symptoms and treatment
The most common symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue and, less commonly, vomiting or a low-grade fever. Symptoms can last several weeks or longer and may recur.
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics. Dehydration is a primary concern, particularly for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. People who have experienced watery diarrhea for more than a few days should contact a health care provider. Anyone experiencing signs of severe dehydration — including dizziness, weakness or decreased urination — should seek medical care promptly.
For more information, visit the CDC’s cyclosporiasis website.
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