Boone County health officials confirmed 53 cases of cyclosporiasis as of 4:42 p.m. Wednesday, marking a notable rise in a cluster that expanded rapidly over the last several days, according to the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department.
Recent trend in reported cases
The county reported 45 cases on Tuesday, 37 on Monday, 22 last Thursday and nine the previous Wednesday, showing a steady increase in the number of confirmed infections over the span of a week.
| Date reported | Confirmed cases |
|---|---|
| Previous Wednesday | 9 |
| Last Thursday | 22 |
| Monday | 37 |
| Tuesday | 45 |
| Wednesday (4:42 p.m.) | 53 |
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure and can include:
- Explosive diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Bloating and nausea
- Fatigue
The incubation period and the severity of symptoms can vary, and public-health authorities say the parasite may be difficult to remove from fresh produce.
Investigation and possible sources
Officials have not identified a definitive cause for the current outbreak. Nationally, health agencies are investigating multiple clusters linked to fresh produce. A voluntary recall covered bagged iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms after concerns in other jurisdictions, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported a false positive test for the parasite on one of that company’s farms.
Health experts continue to caution consumers about ready-to-eat produce, particularly items that are prewashed or packaged and may have been shipped from other countries.
How residents can reduce risk
Local health officials reiterated basic food-safety measures. Running produce under clean, cold water can lower exposure risk, but authorities warn that standard washing and disinfecting may not fully eliminate cyclospora from contaminated items.
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.
- Be cautious with prewashed, bagged produce; consider preparing whole produce yourself when possible.
- Seek medical care if you experience severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after consuming fresh produce.
Local impact and ongoing response
Public-health officials in Boone County are monitoring the situation and reporting case counts as laboratory confirmations are completed. Because symptoms can emerge about a week after exposure, the reported numbers may reflect infections that occurred days earlier.
At this stage, there is no public notice of facility closures in Boone County tied to the outbreak, and no single supplier or point of contamination has been confirmed locally. The county’s updates will continue to be an important source of information for residents as investigators work to identify any common exposures among those infected.
People with questions about symptoms or recent exposure should consult their health-care providers and watch for updates from the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Department.
