57 Days of Diarrhea: Iowa and Nebraska Cyclospora Outbreak

As if living out here in the heartland wasn't exciting enough, news is quickly spreading (although not as quickly as the disease and ensuing panic) of a cyclospora outbreak in Iowa and Nebraska. Recent reports suggest that there have been at least 18 cases in Nebraska and perhaps 25 in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that as of Monday there were 22 cases and that the outbreak seems to have begun in mid-June. No source has been identified. What's a bit interesting is the focus in the IDPH brief and subsequent media reports on a 57-days duration (if untreated).  Many folks I've talked to are focusing solely on 57 days, as the news reports make it sound like if you get cyclospora, you might as well camp out in your bathroom for a couple months.  Perhaps the IDPH and media reports could mention that trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (bactrim) is a readily available and effective therapy? This might reduce the panic.

Dan made a radio appearance a few days ago to discuss the outbreak - you can read the transcript here. Interestingly, the segment mentioned that prior to this outbreak there were only 10 reported cases of cyclospora over past 20 years in Iowa.