Johnson County is experiencing a significant surge in cyclosporiasis cases, with 95 reported cases, as part of a larger outbreak across Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 289 known cases statewide as of Wednesday, a more than fivefold increase from the previous week.
Cause and Concerns
According to Dr. Dana Hawkinson at the University of Kansas Health System, the cause of the outbreak is likely linked to contaminated food, particularly fresh produce. Investigators suspect that iceberg lettuce shipped to Taco Bells from Taylor Farms may be part of the problem. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, which can be treated with the common antibiotic Bactrim.
Dr. Hawkinson notes that the number of cases may be underreported due to the possibility of asymptomatic cases or mild symptoms. The cyclospora parasite does not typically transmit directly from person to person, and health officials are working to identify the source of the contamination and prevent further spread.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
