The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmental Affairs is currently investigating an outbreak caused by the tiny parasite Cyclospora.
As of June 15, 62 cases have been reported in Colorado since May 1, 2023. No hospitalizations or deaths were reported.
So far, public health officials have identified 45 people likely linked to the outbreak who dined at the same Ridgeway restaurant, Tacos del GNAR.
Affected people have reported eating at Tacos del GNAR since May 1, 2023.
Colorado is averaging 63 new cases per year from 2017 to 2022. The State Department of Health is the lead agency for this investigation and is working closely with Ouray County Public Health to identify the potential source of the outbreak.
The state health department has communicated information about the outbreak to health care providers in the state. Health care providers must report all cases of cyclosporiasis to public health agencies within 4 days of her.
Cyclospora outbreaks are usually the result of contaminated food (usually perishables) in the supply chain rather than food handling and cleaning in restaurants.
Tacos del GNAR has partnered with CDPHE on all aspects of the investigation. After being notified of the outbreak, Tacos del Gunar destroyed all produce at its facility and replaced it with other products, according to the state health department.
Anyone who has eaten at Tacos del GNAR on or after May 1, 2023 and has experienced or is currently experiencing symptoms such as watery diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible and are usually treated with antibiotics. should be tested for Cyclospora, which is treated with Because parasitic infections can mimic other illnesses, potential patients should tell their doctor about possible infections.
Anyone who dine in a restaurant after May 1, 2023 will online survey To assist public health in investigating the cause of this outbreak.
Cyclospora is spread by people eating and drinking things (such as food and water) that are contaminated with the parasite. Cyclospora is not usually transmitted directly from person to person.
The period from eating or drinking Cyclospora, which is invisible to the naked eye, to the onset of the disease is usually about one week, but it may take more than two weeks in some cases. Cyclospora infects the small intestine and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes severe bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pains, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, body aches, headaches, fever and other flu-like symptoms. increase. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora have no symptoms.
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