Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 4

Does the traceback information support raspberries as the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak?

Step 1 of 3

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic disease which is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis. It can get ingested along with contaminated foods and water. It is infectious only after a few days or weeks. This disease is accompanied by watery diarrhea because the pathogen infects the bowels. Fatigue, weight loss, stomach cramps, low grade fever, nausea and loss of appetite are some of the associated symptoms.

Development of the disease takes place in about one week after the initial contact with the pathogen. Some individuals can remain asymptomatic as well. The ultimate and confirmatory identification is by clinical diagnosis. Stool samples from suspected individuals can be tested for the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis. Stool samples are collected and tested for several days.