Cyclospora Outbreaks Present Unique Challenges for Investigators

(MNN)-Foodborne illness investigators say tracing an outbreak is often a lengthy process involving detailed interviews with patients and extensive supply-chain tracking. U of M professor Dr. Craig Hedberg says the current Cyclospora outbreak is especially difficult to investigate because the parasite can’t be analyzed as easily as bacteria like salmonella. And experts warn that staffing shortages and funding cuts at public health agencies could slow future outbreak detection and response efforts.