SerpApi.Org
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KRCG) - Boone County continues to report one of Missouri's highest concentrations of cyclosporiasis cases relative to its population, even as infections rise across the state.
Austin Krohn, public information specialist for the Columbia-Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, said Boone County was among the first counties in Missouri to begin reporting confirmed cases, which may help explain why its numbers initially appeared to outpace larger metropolitan areas such as St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield.
"The timing is important," Krohn said. Because the Cyclospora parasite can take up to two weeks to cause symptoms, people are often becoming sick long after they consumed the contaminated food.
He said it's possible a contaminated shipment reached Boone County before other parts of the state, though investigators have not identified a specific source.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Boone County had 53 confirmed cases. While statewide totals have continued climbing and are likely above 300, Krohn said Boone County still accounts for a significant share of Missouri's reported cases.
Health department nurses and epidemiologists are conducting lengthy interviews with confirmed patients, asking detailed questions about symptoms and foods eaten in the weeks before illness.
Those interviews can last up to an hour as investigators compare information to identify common restaurants, grocery stores and other potential exposure points.
The investigation became more complicated after a false positive from the FDA disrupted efforts to narrow the source.
While investigators previously focused on recalled products linked to Taylor Farms, they are now continuing to evaluate multiple possibilities rather than relying on a single suspected source.
Krohn said underreporting is also a concern because many people may assume they have a routine stomach illness and never seek medical care.
Since confirmed cases rely on testing and reporting by health care providers, officials believe the true number of infections is likely higher than the official count.
Local investigators are continuing to work closely with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services while monitoring guidance from the CDC and FDA.
Until the source is identified, health officials recommend washing produce thoroughly, preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen and cooking foods when appropriate to reduce the risk of illness.
