UPDATED: VHD Investigates 3 Large Businesses in Relation to Intestinal Illness Outbreak

UPDATE: Virginia Department of Health is Investigating an Increase in Intestinal Illness Associated with Cyclospora The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing more information about the ongoing investigation of reports of intestinal illness associated with Cyclospora. The goal of public health investigations is to protect the public’s health. An increase in cases was first identified in Northern Virginia in mid-June 2019. Our investigation has found an additional outbreak in Central Virginia. A food or water source of these outbreaks has not yet been identified. Since May 1, 2019 there have been 39 confirmed cases of Cyclosporiasis in Virginia (Central Region–4, Eastern Region–2, Northern Region–27, Northwest Region–4, Southwest Region–2). The five-year average for the same time frame from 2014 to 2018 was 9 cases. Workplace cafeterias in the following locations are part of the ongoing investigation: Capital One Building at 1600 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22102 Valo Park Building at 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102 CarMax at 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238 These cafeterias are not widely accessible to the general public. Health officials are working directly with business owners and affected individuals. VDH appreciates the ongoing cooperation of the businesses in assisting in this effort. They share our goal of ensuring the health and well-being of their employees and guests. Public health investigations are complex and it takes time to gather information about exposures, risk factors and illnesses.  In some cases outbreak investigations may not identify a likely source. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Cyclosporiasis should visit their healthcare provider. They can test for Cyclospora and prescribe the correct treatment.  Physicians will report cases to the health department. BACKGROUND Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces or stool that contains the parasite. Illness occurs most often in tropical and subtropical regions. In the United States, past foodborne outbreaks of Cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, arugula, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro. Of 39 U.S. Cyclospora outbreaks between 2000 and 2017, none have been associated with commercially frozen or canned products. Symptoms: Cyclosporiasis typically causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, stools within one to two weeks after exposure. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping or bloating, nausea and prolonged fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. If untreated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer and may seem to go away but come back again. Prevention: Safely handling fruit and vegetables is the best way to prevent Cyclosporiasis:

• Wash: Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing fruits and vegetables.
• Prepare: Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
• Store: Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within 2 hours.

For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/cyclosporiasis/ or www.cdc.gov/parasites/. For questions, please contact your local health department office. Locate contact information for your closest office at www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator.

Original Article: 

Northern Virginia Area Investigating an Increase in Intestinal Illness Associated with Cyclospora Health Districts in the Region Seeking the Cause of Cyclosporiasis Increase

The health districts in northern Virginia are notifying the public that there has been a significant increase in the number of reported cyclosporiasis cases since mid-June 2019. To date, there are 15 cyclosporiasis cases reported in the Northern Region of Virginia, up from eight at this time last year. Additionally, more than 40 people from two large businesses in the area have reported gastrointestinal illness, and are under investigation for suspected cyclosporiasis. A food or water source of this outbreak has not yet been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces or stool that contains the parasite. Illness occurs most often in tropical and subtropical regions. In the United States, past foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, arugula, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro. Of 39 U.S. Cyclospora outbreaks between 2000-2017, none have been associated with commercially frozen or canned products. Northern Virginia health districts* are investigating cases across the region and working to identify the potential source or sources of the outbreak. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is working with local, state and federal health officials to investigate the increase in Cyclospora illnesses and will share information as it becomes available. *Northern Virginia Health Districts involved in this investigation include Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax (Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax and Falls Church), Loudoun, and Prince William (Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park). Bristow Beat has requested information from the Virginia Department of Health, and expect to receive more information as it is released.  Symptoms: Cyclosporiasis typically causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, stools within one to two weeks after exposure. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping or bloating, nausea and prolonged fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. If untreated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer and may seem to go away but come back again. Anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis should visit their healthcare provider. They can test for Cyclospora and prescribe the correct treatment. Prevention: Following safe fruit and vegetable handling recommendations is the best way to prevent cyclosporiasis:

• Wash: Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing fruits and vegetables.
• Prepare: Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
• Store: Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within 2 hours.

For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/cyclosporiasis/ orwww.cdc.gov/parasites/. For questions, please contact your local health department office. Locate contact information for your closest office at www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator.