The Colorado Division of Public Well being and Setting is at present investigating an outbreak from the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.
As of June 15, there have been 62 sufferers reported in Colorado since Might 1, 2023. No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported.
At the moment, public well being officers have recognized 45 people who find themselves possible related to the outbreak who dined on the similar restaurant, Tacos del GNAR, in Ridgway.
Folks affected reported eating at Tacos del GNAR since Might 1, 2023.
Colorado has averaged 63 circumstances per yr between 2017 and 2022. The state well being division is the lead company on this investigation and is working carefully with Ouray County Public Well being to determine a potential supply of the outbreak.
the state well being division has communicated details about this outbreak to well being care suppliers all through the state. Well being care suppliers should report all circumstances of cyclosporiasis to public well being inside 4 days.
Cyclospora outbreaks are sometimes the results of contaminated meals — normally contemporary produce — within the provide chain fairly than because of meals dealing with and/or cleansing practices at eating places.
Tacos del GNAR is partnering with CDPHE in all facets of the investigation. When knowledgeable of the outbreak, Tacos del GNAR disposed of and changed all produce inside the facility with totally different merchandise, in line with the state well being division.
Anybody who dined at Tacos del GNAR since Might 1, 2023, and skilled or remains to be experiencing signs similar to watery diarrhea ought to contact a well being care supplier as quickly as potential to get examined for Cyclospora, which is often handled with antibiotics. The parasitic an infection can mimic different sicknesses so potential sufferers ought to inform their medical doctors about their potential publicity.
Individuals who ate on the restaurant since Might 1, 2023, whether or not they turned sick or not, are requested to finish a web-based survey to assist public well being with the investigation into the reason for this outbreak.
Cyclospora is unfold by folks consuming or ingesting one thing — similar to meals or water — that was contaminated with the parasite. Cyclospora is usually not handed immediately from one individual to a different.
The time between consuming or ingesting Cyclospora, which can’t be seen by the bare eye, and changing into sick is normally about one week, however could be greater than two weeks. Cyclospora infects the small gut and normally causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, generally extreme, bowel actions. Different widespread signs embody lack of urge for food, weight reduction, abdomen cramps/ache, bloating, elevated gasoline, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, physique aches, headache, fever, and different flu-like signs. Some people who find themselves contaminated with Cyclospora wouldn’t have any signs.
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