Regional epidemiologist warns residents about multistate cyclospora outbreak; local risk "within typical range"

Micaela Petty, the Regional Epidemiologist for the Greater Boroughs Partnership for Health, told residents that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments have reported a large number of cyclospora cases in several states and that local public health is monitoring the situation. "Today I'm here to talk about the cyclospora outbreak...what that means most importantly for our residents here in the Greater Boroughs," Petty said.

Petty said the primary states impacted in the current outbreak include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky, and that epidemiological data points to iceberg lettuce as at least one potential source. She emphasized Massachusetts has seen some cases but so far they remain "nothing that exceeds the typical range of cases that we see every year." The briefing highlighted that most people who develop symptoms start to feel ill about a week after exposure and that symptoms can last from days to several weeks if untreated.

Petty advised anyone with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms lasting more than two to three days to contact a healthcare provider about testing and treatment. "If somebody does start to experience these types of symptoms, especially for more than 2 to 3 days, it's really important to talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment," she said. Local boards of health and state officials will continue case investigations and share updates as they identify any common exposure sources.