Many of us have experienced an upset stomach and wondered if it came from something we ate. Fortunately, for us all, public health agencies are constantly monitoring for patterns in illnesses, including those that are foodborne, in order to keep the public safe and informed.
Foodborne illnesses are monitored by local, state and federal public health agencies. In Iowa, certain illnesses, including cyclosporiasis, are reportable to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IHHS). Public health agencies are informed by medical facilities when patients test positive for these illnesses.
Then local public health professionals — including those at the Dallas County Health Department — interview these individuals about their symptoms, where they ate, what foods they consumed and other possible exposures…