A Hutchinson woman who was hospitalized after contracting cyclospora during the ongoing national foodborne illness outbreak has retained a nationally known food safety attorney as the number of reported cases continues to grow.
According to a news release from Ron Simon & Associates, 48-year-old Nicole Belote became ill after eating a Taco Supreme from Taco Bell on July 1. The release states she developed symptoms on July 9, consistent with the typical two- to 14-day incubation period for cyclospora.
Belote, a single mother of two, including an adult child with developmental disabilities, was admitted to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center on July 13 after her condition worsened. The release says she received intravenous fluids, oxygen, testing, pain medication, anti-nausea medication and antibiotics used to treat the parasitic infection. Because she has COPD, she was closely monitored during her three-day hospital stay.
After being discharged, Belote said she continues to recover but still experiences fatigue and lingering effects from the illness. In a statement included in the release, she relates her experience.
"I was discharged a week and a half ago and I'm still suffering from an incredible amount of fatigue. I'm back to work, but I am now going in a half hour earlier than normal to allow myself extra time. I have no energy after work to do much of anything. And everything has literally become a chore. Cyclospora was literally the worst experience I've ever had. From the first day of symptoms, which was July 9th, until I was admitted to the hospital on July 13th, not only was I experiencing the water diarrhea, but it was so bad that I has having fecal incontinence multiple times a day. I was vomiting ... watery diarrhea... I couldn't eat. I was incredibly bloated and I had a blinding migraine. I had zero energy coupled with muscle aches and pains."
The law firm says Belote is among hundreds of people affected by the nationwide cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated produce. The release notes that Kansas has identified 267 cases connected to the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables. Health officials say the illness commonly causes prolonged diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue. While many patients recover without hospitalization, severe cases may require medical treatment.
Belote has retained attorney Ron Simon of Ron Simon & Associates, which has established a claim center for individuals affected by the outbreak. The firm says it is representing numerous victims nationwide.