Cyclospora cases have increased in Douglas County, health…

The Douglas County Health Department has reported a rise in Cyclospora cases from 27 to 45, while working with the CDC and FDA to investigate potential links to a contaminated lettuce source, specifically shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Symptoms of infection include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and fatigue. Individuals are advised to cook their produce and inquire about lettuce sourcing when dining out. Testing is encouraged for those exhibiting symptoms and self-reporting through the health department's website is available.

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Cyclospora cases in Douglas County continue to rise, with the Douglas County Health Department having tallied the cases at 45.

A release from the DCHD says this is an increase from the previous report of 27. Nebraska’s current cases have not been officially counted as part of the ongoing multistate outbreak, the DCHD is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to find out whether the cases in Douglas County are associated with the same contaminated lettuce.

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The CDC and the FDA determined that shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico is the most probable cause of the multistate outbreak, based on their epidemiological and product traceback investigations. Investigations are underway to determine if the cases in Douglas County are coming from the same contaminated product.

The parasite is primarily associated with bagged iceberg lettuce. Symptoms can begin about a week after consuming infected lettuce and include:

Frequent watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Stomach cramps and bloating
Nausea
Fatigue
Low-grade fever

Anyone who believes they may be infected is encouraged to get tested. Cases can also be self-reported on the Douglas County Health Department website.

“In this particular case, Cyclospora is best dealt with by cooking,” Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said. “So if you are going to cook your produce, it doesn’t necessarily matter where you get it — you are going to cook it out.”

For those dining out, Dr. Huse recommended asking servers where the restaurant sources its lettuce. For fast food, she advised requesting that lettuce be left off orders for the time being.

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Cyclospora cases have increased in Douglas County, health officials say

RELATED: Taco Bell is offering its Mexican Pizza for just $1 - don’t worry, it doesn’t have lettuce

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