Michigan’s Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) recommends cooking certain foods amidst a Cyclosporiasis outbreak. This parasitic illness often results in severe diarrhea. Michigan reported a significant increase, with 2,640 cases as of July 13, compared to the usual 50 annual cases.
The MDHHS issued guidelines for preparing and serving raw produce in homes, restaurants, and commercial kitchens. They advised that cooking foods like leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, snow peas, and raspberries enhances safety. Thorough washing is crucial for these items.
Raspberries can be tricky due to their bumpy surface, offering potentially hidden spots for parasites. Cooking them into jams or pies, or using frozen raspberries may be safer alternatives.
The MDHHS also provided additional advice. Buy whole lettuce instead of prewashed or bagged varieties and discard the outer layers before washing. For green onions, trim the roots and remove the outer layers.
Ynés Ortega, University of Georgia associate professor, discussed the outbreak’s trends with Newsweek. Ortega highlighted past infections linked to berries and vegetables, including herbs and leafy greens. She stressed the importance of washing produce and preventing cross-contamination between cooked and raw foods.
Currently, no specific food source has been identified. Newsweek has contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for additional information outside standard hours.
Rising Cases Nationwide
Case numbers have climbed across various states:
- Michigan: Over 2,500 cases
- New York: 394 cases
- Ohio: 364 cases
- North Carolina: 205 cases
- Illinois: 141 cases
- Texas: 48 cases
The CDC reported on July 10 that since May 1, there were 843 confirmed domestic cases. They noted an awareness of over 1,500 additional cases needing analysis. There may be discrepancies in national and state-level data, as state reports often exceed CDC records. The CDC aims to reconcile these figures with ongoing data confirmation.
Ortega mentioned that Cyclospora annually causes gastrointestinal issues in the US. Agencies work diligently to pinpoint the current outbreak’s source.
Understanding Cyclosporiasis Symptoms
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis typically appear about a week after consuming contaminated food or water. The incubation period ranges from two days to two weeks.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery and frequent diarrhea, sometimes severe
- Severe stomach cramps and bloating
- Nausea and appetite loss
- Prolonged fatigue and weight loss
Health authorities urge anyone with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical care and request specific parasite testing.
For more information, Newsweek editors Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu are available for contact.