By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The summer of cyclosporiasis continues as cases increase in North Carolina.
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Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite, cyclospora, which is found in contaminated water and produce. Symptoms of the illness include bloating, increased gas, nausea, and watery, frequent diarrhea.
No official source identified
The state is reporting 929 cases, up 23 from last week, although county and state data show the amount of new cases each week is slowing. Most cases are in the Triangle, with 516 in Wake County.
The Centers for Disease Control said it’s received reports of more than 13,000 cases of cyclosporiasis since this May nationwide.
For perspective, from last May through August, there were just over 1,100 cases across the U.S.
Federal and state health officials have linked iceberg lettuce to some cases in the Midwest. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, some recent cases report eating common denominators, like parsley and cilantro. But no official source has been named yet.
“CDC is reporting that North Carolina currently has two cases associated with the ongoing multi-state cyclosporiasis investigation linked to Taco Bell restaurants,” the NCDHHS said in a statement. Exposures to Taco Bell or lettuce make up a small proportion of the overall increase in cyclosporiasis cases seen in North Carolina over recent months.
“Thankfully, the number of new cases in North Carolina has gone down, suggesting that the most common sources of exposure have already passed through the food chain,” the statement continues. “For more information on the multi-state investigation, we would refer you to the CDC.
“While a source has not yet been identified, current data from patient interviews indicate that parsley and cilantro are commonly reported among cyclosporiasis cases. However, many cases did not report eating either of these foods before getting sick, suggesting there could be multiple sources of exposure.
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“Once a common food source is identified, that information is sent to NCDA&CS for traceback and then on to the FDA if the source is outside of North Carolina,” the statement reads.
“Due to the complex nature of foodborne illness investigations and the traceback of ingredients identified as potential sources of cyclospora, there is no specific timeline for when the source of the cyclospora outbreak in NC may be completed.”
At the State Farmer’s Market
While there’s been no information from health officials about a source, let alone it being from locally grown products, CBS 17 visited the State Farmer’s Market and spoke with Fresh Farm owner Jackie Nordan at his stand.
“I sell primarily southern heirloom peas and beans,” Nordan said. “Fortunately, my products have always bordered with fresh well water and rain. I haven’t had any problems as far as any type of contamination or anything like that.”
Asked, if she’s experienced any skepticism from consumers since these cases have been ongoing for months, Morgan Naylor of Naylor Family Farms said, “Very little as far as our customers that we’re seeing out here. I think most of the customers realize that these are primarily locally grown products.”
Naylor told CBS 17 that she’s seen an increase in people heading to the marker, seeking locally grown products.
“I have seen where a lot of people are turning towards local places,” she said. “We have seen an increase in business even throughout the week up here, which is great.”
CBS 17’s Mary Smith is an Investigative Reporter focused on Digging Deeper and Getting Answers. If you have a story that needs investigating, send an email to [email protected].
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