Outbreaks in Illinois

CDC and public health officials in many states are investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry (such as chicks and ducklings). As of July 28, 2020, 938 cases have been reported in 48 states, including Illinois.  In Illinois, 34 cases matching the outbreak strains have been reported.  The number of illnesses reported this year exceeds the number reported at the same time of the year in previous outbreaks linked to backyard flocks.

Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Symptoms can occur 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed and can last about 4-7 days. The infection generally affects the intestinal tract but can spread to other parts of the body causing severe illness, especially in children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment.

A public health investigation is being conducted, including interviewing Salmonella cases to identify contact with backyard poultry and collecting information about where they purchased baby poultry.  Testing of backyard poultry and their environments (such as backyard coops) in Kentucky and Oregon found three of the outbreak strains. Traceback investigations from purchase locations to hatcheries are ongoing.

In the United States, outbreaks of Salmonellosis have previously been linked to contact with backyard poultry. Keeping backyard poultry is becoming more popular.  People enjoy raising baby poultry to have fresh eggs.  To prevent illness, always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching chickens, ducks, or anything in their environment.

CDC Investigation Notice:  https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyardpoultry-05-20/index.html

Additional Info:http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/salmonella

CDC’s Heathy Pets Heathy People Backyard Poultry website: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html  

The Illinois Department of Public Health has identified an increase in Cyclospora cases in Illinois since June 1, 2020.  As of August 5, 2020, at least 257 laboratory confirmed domestically acquired cases have been reported to IDPH among Illinois residents.  A public health investigation is being conducted to determine the source(s).

People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food (typically fruits and vegetables) or water contaminated with the parasite.

The most common symptom of Cyclospora infection is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle aches, and low-grade fever.  Symptoms typically begin one to two weeks after exposure and can be treated with specific antibiotics.  If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). People that are experiencing symptoms of Cyclospora should contact their health care provider for testing. 

A public health investigation is being conducted, including interviewing cases of Cyclospora to identify food exposures.  Laboratories and health care providers should report cases promptly so public health workers can interview the cases as soon as possible.

In the United States, foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have previously been linked to various types of fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and lettuce.

You can learn more about Cyclospora here:  http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/cyclospora

Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Infections Linked to Bagged Salad Mix

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to bagged salad mix containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage produced by Fresh Express. Products were sold in many states under either the brand name Fresh Express or the store brand labels ALDI Little Salad Bar, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco Signature Farms, ShopRite Wholesome Pantry, and Walmart Marketside.

Illinois has 206 confirmed cases of Cyclospora included in this outbreak investigation.  For additional information regarding this investigation, visit https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2020/index.html.

The Illinois Department of Public Health, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jackson County Health Department, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, and the Adams County Health Department, is investigating a multistate outbreak of E. Coli O103 linked to sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurants.

Patients started experiencing symptoms in early January 2020 and mid February 2020.

Individuals at risk for illness include those who have consumed food from Jimmy John’s restaurants or sprouts in any setting.

Fourteen cases have been reported in five states, including Illinois.  In Illinois, six cases matching the outbreak strain have been reported in central and southern Illinois.

A public health investigation is being conducted, including interviewing cases of Shiga toxin producing E. coli to identify food exposures and the collection of invoices to conduct traceback and identify the source of the sprouts. In response to the investigation, Jimmy John’s notified stores to remove sprouts from its menu nationwide on February 22, 2020.

Several outbreaks of E. coli and Salmonella have been investigated previously that were linked to sprouts served at Jimmy John’s restaurants. 

You can learn more about E.coli here: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/e-coli

Legionnaires’ disease cluster among residents at a senior living facility in Lake County

The Illinois Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, is investigating five cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of the Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Patients started experiencing symptoms in late January 2020 and early February 2020.

Individuals at risk for illness include residents, staff, and visitors to the facility.

Public health officials conducted a full investigation, including an environmental assessment and water sampling. Water restrictions were implemented and control measures recommended. The facility notified staff, residents, and families. Health care professionals are looking retrospectively and prospectively to identify additional cases. To date, no additional cases has been identified.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused when a person inhales legionella bacteria into their lungs, typically through mist or vapor from a water source contaminated with the bacteria.  http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/legionellosis

News release - https://www.lakecountyil.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2116.

Legionnaires’ disease cluster among residents of a Chicago nursing home

The Illinois Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health, is investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of the Balmoral Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Plainfield, Illinois.

The first case started experiencing symptoms in September 2019, and the second case in December 2019.

Individuals at risk for illness include residents, staff, and visitors to the facility.

Public health officials conducted a full investigation, including an environmental assessment and water sampling. Water restrictions were implemented and control measures recommended. The facility notified staff, residents, and families. Health care professionals are looking retrospectively and prospectively to identify additional cases. To date, no additional cases has been identified.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused when a person inhales legionella bacteria into their lungs, typically through mist or vapor from a water source contaminated with the bacteria.  http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/legionellosis

News release - http://dph.illinois.gov/news/idph-investigating-legionnaires%E2%80%99-disease-cases-two-chicago-nursing-homes

Legionnaires’ disease cluster among residents of a Will County nursing home and rehabilitation center

The Illinois Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Will County Health Department, is investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of the Lakewood Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Plainfield, Illinois.

Both cases started experiencing symptoms in January 2020.

Individuals at risk for illness include residents, staff, and visitors to the facility.

Public health officials conducted a full investigation, including an environmental assessment and water sampling. Water restrictions were implemented and control measures recommended. The facility notified staff, residents, and families. Health care professionals are looking retrospectively and prospectively to identify additional cases. To date, no additional cases has been identified.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused when a person inhales legionella bacteria into their lungs, typically through mist or vapor from a water source contaminated with the bacteria.  http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/legionellosis

News release - https://willcountyhealth.org/health-department-investigating-two-confirmed-cases-of-legionnaires-disease-at-plainfield-senior-home