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Dr. Lindsay Huse reports a rapid increase in Cyclospora infections in Douglas County

The Douglas County Health Department reported a rapid increase in Cyclospora infections among residents of Nebraska's most populous county. Confirmed cases rose from 27 to 45 within a single week, prompting a public health investigation. Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse and deputy health director Dr. Justin Frederick noted that while Nebraska has not been officially linked to the national multistate outbreak yet, the department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to determine if local cases are associated with the contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The parasite causes intestinal illness, typically beginning a week after consumption. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Dr. Lindsay Huse advised residents to cook their produce to eliminate the parasite and suggested that those dining out request to have lettuce left off their orders for the time being.

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