Health officials in Michigan on Monday announced that lettuce or salad greens may be the source of the cyclosporiasis parasitic illness that has sickened hundreds across the country, causing widespread concern in recent weeks, including in California, where there have been several cases.
“While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out,” Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release Monday.
“No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.”
Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps, according to the department, which added it is often contracted by ingesting contaminated food or beverages.
“Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation," Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, said in the news release.
As of Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with more than 1,500 additional cases requiring further analysis to confirm. There were cases in 31 states and 86 hospitalizations were associated with the parasite, the agency said.
In California, between one and 10 people had fallen ill, the CDC said.
"The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported," according to the CDC. "This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora."
According to the California Department of Public Health, six domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and 35 involving international travel had been confirmed in the state as of June 30.
Of the California cases,"no food source has been identified, but two patients have reported travel to the Midwest," Beth Deines, an information officer for the California Department of Public Health, told Patch. "Investigation of these cases is ongoing. At this time, there are no known local outbreaks and no cases are currently known to be linked to multistate outbreaks under investigation by the CDC."
People experiencing frequent, watery diarrhea are encouraged to contact their health care provider and specifically request testing for Cyclospora, the Michigan news release said. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking fluids to maintain hydration.
During the outbreak, people can take precautions by buying whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits; discarding outer layers of lettuce heads; washing inner leaves; and cooking greens that can be cooked to at least 158 degrees, according to the news release.
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