By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe

Cyclospora oocysts
Oocysts of C. cayetanensis viewed under differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy.
Image/CDC DPDx

The news broke yesterday that 30 (and possibly more) people have been infected with cyclospora after a banquet held at the Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida last month. The banquet, which was held by the members of the Exchange Club. The restaurant currently has not responded to inquiries on the outbreak.

At this time, the local health department is working with the CDC to try to identify a potential source for the infections. The Duval County Health Department is now investigating, sending out a survey to those affected and examining lab tests. The health agency encourages anyone who attended the banquet, who has become ill, to seek medical attention. They believe there are likely more cases of cyclosporiasis that are currently going untreated.

Cyclospora is a parasite usually linked to imported produce. It is important to note that someone can relapse or become re-infected with Cyclospora. This is why medical treatment is highly recommended.