Federal health officials have linked Nebraska to a multistate cyclospora outbreak connected to recalled iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 92 Nebraska cases as part of the outbreak. Lancaster County has reported 46 confirmed cyclospora cases since June and health officials are working to determine how many of those are directly connected.
Health Director Kerry Kernen says investigators interviewed people who became sick and found a correlation with shredded iceberg lettuce.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes a gastrointestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms include watery diarrhea that can last for weeks or months, along with fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, cramping and nausea. Some people may also experience a low-grade fever or vomiting.
Federal officials say illnesses linked to the outbreak began June 22 and have continued through July 31, meaning additional cases could still be reported.
Health officials encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to contact a health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.
The CDC recommends washing hands before and after handling fresh produce, thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, and cooking food to at least 158 degrees when appropriate. Cyclospora is spread through contaminated food or water and is not passed from person to person.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department updates local cyclospora case numbers on weekdays. Data is available Here.
For additional prevention information and to learn more about cyclospora and the current outbreaks, visit the CDC website Here.