Tracking a Silent Killer Unassuming public health nurses in Washtenaw County, Michigan, are taking on an unusual role: investigating outbreaks of Cyclospora, a parasite that can lie dormant for weeks before unleashing its symptoms.
This detective work involves old fashioned methods – phone calls, interviews, and meticulous note taking – which remain the most effective way to track down this silent killer.
A New Era of Foodborne Illness Cyclospora outbreaks have become increasingly common in recent years, with a record 2,000 cases reported in the US between 2013 and 2018.