Public health nurses hunt Cyclospora source using receipts, apps and detailed interviews

Washtenaw County health officials are confronting a Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened over 900 residents since June. Nurse Linda Kim, who previously helped manage a measles surge, has conducted detailed interviews with more than 100 affected individuals, requesting grocery receipts, app purchase histories and precise descriptions of meals, such as the type of taco or salad brand. The parasite’s long incubation period makes recall difficult, so investigators rely on meticulous record checks.

The department’s capacity has been strained by earlier federal funding reductions that eliminated many local public-health positions and cut laboratory support, though some funding was later restored after a court order. Staff morale is being bolstered with small gestures like coffee and pizza, but the slow federal response in pinpointing the contaminated lettuce has frustrated local workers. Despite these challenges, the team continues to contact patients and provide a hotline for follow-up questions.