Local decline in McHenry County
McHenry County has recorded 70 cases of cyclosporiasis from June 28 through Aug. 19, according to Nick Kubiak, spokesman for the McHenry County Department of Health. Kubiak stated that "Cyclosporiasis transmission has decreased significantly since July 22," noting that the county has seen only five cases from July 22 to Aug. 19.
Earlier, on Aug. 7, health department officials had reported 61 cases since June 25. At that time, they had not identified a specific source in their local investigation.
State and national overview
While McHenry County's numbers suggest a local ebbing, the broader outbreak remains extensive. In Illinois, authorities have reported more than 1,400 confirmed and probable cases, with 69 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Nationwide, more than 27,000 confirmed and probable cases have been reported across 47 states, as reported by Times Now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest figures show 15,716 laboratory-confirmed cases and 11,841 suspected cases since May 1. Michigan has been particularly hard hit, with 14,277 cases, 335 hospitalizations, and two deaths, according to the same report.
Investigation into the source
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, have been investigating a multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The FDA said this week that the recalled lettuce may have been distributed to nine additional states and jurisdictions: California, Delaware, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. Earlier reports said the lettuce had been sent to restaurants and retailers in nearly three dozen states between late June and July.
The FDA noted that the latest investigation attributes 10,930 illnesses across 17 states to the lettuce-linked outbreak. The recalled produce should no longer be for sale, as best-by dates have passed.
Precautionary measures
Taco Bell removed lettuce from its outlets as a precaution after some Michigan residents were infected after eating at its restaurants. However, health authorities are also investigating smaller clusters with sources that remain unknown.
Understanding cyclospora
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, usually when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, with the CDC describing "frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements." Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and flu-like symptoms. Symptoms may take about two weeks to appear, and the infection is not spread directly from person to person, according to the IDPH.
Previous outbreaks have involved cilantro, raspberries, basil, snow peas, and lettuce.
Prevention advice
The McHenry County Department of Health encourages residents to follow routine food safety practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cooking food thoroughly can kill the parasite, and washing produce carefully can reduce risk, though not eliminate it. Consumers should check food recall notices and avoid eating recalled produce.