DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) – A new report from Iowa Health and Human Services says Iowa now has 226 confirmed cases of cyclospora in 48 counties, KCCI reports.
The latest data from the CDC says 45 states, including Iowa, have reported at least one case of cyclospora since May 1.
Forty-seven patients from Iowa say they’ve been outside the United States. The report says the number of patients who reported international travel represents those who likely got infected outside the U.S. and are likely not part of national outbreaks.
Polk County health officials are monitoring cases.
“When we find out about a case of cyclospora, our communicable disease team will talk to them and ask what they’ve eaten and where they’ve eaten for the past two weeks,” says Addie Olson of the health department. “It’s a really detailed process, so we gather all of that to help aid the investigation taking place at the state and federal level.”
HHS says Iowa’s number may increase as investigations continue.
The CDC estimates more than 19,000 cases of cyclospora this year have been connected to the national outbreak. The parasite can cause severe diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. It’s passed through contaminated produce.
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