2 Tysons Workplace Cafeterias Tied To Intestinal Illness Outbreak

TYSONS, VA — Two workplace cafeterias in Tysons are part of an investigation into an intestinal illness outbreak, the Virginia Department of Health announced.

In mid-June, the Virginia Department of Health found an increase in cases of Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, in Northern Virginia. The cafeterias associated with the outbreak are at the Capital One Building and Valo Park Building. The investigation later identified another outbreak at a CarMax at 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway in Richmond. These cafeterias are not widely accessible to the public.

"Health officials are working directly with business owners and affected individuals," said the Virginia Department of Health in a statement. "They share our goal of ensuring the health and well-being of their employees and guests."

Health officials have confirmed 39 cases of Cyclosporiasis in Virginia since May 1. Of these, 27 are in Northern Virginia. By comparison, the average for the same time frame from 2014 to 2018 was nine cases.

People can become infected with Cyclosporiasis by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces or stool that contains the parasite. Past Cyclosporiasis outbreaks around the U.S. have been linked with different kinds of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, arugula, snow peas, mesclun lettuce and cilantro. It is not spread directly from person to person.

Health officials have not yet identified a food or water source causing the new outbreaks. The investigation involves collecting information about exposures, risk factors and illnesses.

Cyclosporiasis usually causes frequent and watery diarrhea within one to two weeks after exposure. Other common symptoms are loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping or bloating, nausea and prolonged fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms are possible. If untreated, the illness could appear to go away but can return. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit their doctor.

The best way to prevent Cyclosporiasis is the safe handling of produce. The health department offers the following tips:

• Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within two hours.

See more information on Cyclosporiasis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.