These Fruits, Vegetables May Be Linked To MI's Growing Parasite Outbreak

Michigan health officials have shared a list of fruits and vegetables that could be linked to a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Health officials said Monday they have now identified at least 572 Michigan cases of the foodborne parasite illness, which can cause weeks of diarrhea.

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The cases have been found in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland and Livingston counties, officials said.

Though no specific produce grower/supplier or specific produce type has been identified as the source of the outbreak, officials said the following foods have been linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:

• Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
• Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
• Fresh basil
• Raspberries
• Snow peas
• Green onions (scallions)

Officials recommend the following steps to reduce risks of exposure:

• Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.
• Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves. Safest when cooked.
• Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.
• Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).
• Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which is commonly found in developing countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces.

It infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea.

Symptoms usually begin about a week after someone consumes contaminated food or water, though they can appear as soon as two days or more than two weeks later. Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom.

Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, but dehydration from frequent bouts of diarrhea can cause severe illness, particularly among younger or older people and those who have weakened immune systems.