By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe
The New York Department of Health announced yesterday that they are working in collaboration with several county and local health departments to investigate a cluster of Cyclospora illnesses in the Capital Region of the state. As of today, the DOH has confirmed 11 cases of Cyclosporiasis associated with this current investigation with illnesses starting in mid-June. It is likely more cases will be linked. These cases are separate from those that are occurring elsewhere in the state.
According to the DOH’s press release, “Interviews with all the cases are ongoing to determine if there are commonalities in where they dined and what food they may have consumed. Several of the cases interviewed report they dined at the following establishments:
- The Italian American Community Center in Albany
- A buffet during a private graduation event at Union College in Schenectady
- Prime Life Restaurant at Beltrone Senior Living Community Center in Colonie”
The DOH confirmed that additional dining establishments may be identified. There is no indication that poor food handling practices or preparation are at the root of this. A food source is currently unknown.
Foodborne illness, temperature control and celebrity chefs
In the meantime, as the investigation continues, the DOH recommends that those with diarrhea for three or more days and other symptoms contact their healthcare provider. It is a good idea to have your provider to order tests that can aid in the diagnosis of Cyclospora.
- Virginia: Outbreak at long-term care facility in Springfield, Dozens sickened and two dead
- Philippines: Dengue fever in Leyte, Samar and Iloilo
- Another Manhattan Legionnaires Disease Outbreak?
- Thailand reports increase in dengue fever
- E. coli O157:H7 Linked to Colorado Red Robin
- Hawaii reports 6th rat lungworm case
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ebola, measles, monkeypox and polio
