Douglas County officials: 'Rapid' Cyclospora surge reported, Taco Bell emerges as top exposure - KETV
Douglas County health officials are investigating a rapid surge in Cyclospora infections, with Taco Bell identified as a common exposure point. While the investigation is ongoing, health authorities are working with federal agencies to manage the outbreak.
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Public health outbreaks require rapid identification of food sources to prevent further illness and hospitalizations.
The Douglas County Health Department reported a "rapid increase" in Cyclospora infections in the area.
Officials said Monday that 27 total cases have been identified among Douglas County residents, including 12 unconfirmed cases in the past four days.
Epidemiologists are working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine if the cases in Douglas County are part of the Cyclospora outbreak, according to the Douglas County Health Department.
Deputy health director and chief of epidemiology & preparedness for the Douglas County Health Department, Dr. Justin Frederick, said Monday alone they received 10 new cases.
"We have Cyclospora every summer, so it's not unusual to see it, but it's very unusual to see this level of activity in such a short period of time," Frederick said.
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