A parasite that causes explosive and watery diarrhea has infected at least 1,000 people across 17 states – though the real count may be much greater, officials warned.
Exposure to the cyclospora parasite leads to cyclosporiasis, a nasty stomach bug that can leave people feeling ill for more than a month. Cases have ballooned in Michigan, Illinois, Virginia and New York over the last week.
The condition is typically spread by eating contaminated produce, but officials are still investigating the source of these infections. Experts are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves, such as cleaning certain foods.
Past outbreaks have been tied to bagged salad mixes, cilantro, basil, snow peas, green onions and raspberries, Michigan’s health department noted. More than 700 residents have fallen ill in the Midwest state and 36 have been hospitalized, officials told Click On Detroit this week.
This is an unprecedented outbreak for Michigan, Dr. Matthew Sims, director of Infectious Diseases Research at Michigan’s non-profit healthcare system Corewell Health, told the station.
“In the previous year, we sent a total of 36 tests for Cyclospora; none of them were positive,” he said. “So far this year, as of yesterday, there were 26, and 15 were positive, so it’s a lot more testing and a lot more positives.”
Other affected states include New York, Illinois, Alaska, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island, recent federal data shows.
Fortunately, infections rarely lead to deaths and there have been no deaths reported in these outbreaks.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically include cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss and increased gas. Although some patients may experience vomiting, body aches, diarrhea, headache, low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Staying safe
Michigan’s health department is recommending that restaurants and residents cook their produce when they can – heating food to 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills the parasite.
Before cooking, thoroughly wash produce with soap and clean water, too, even if it’s going to be peeled.
Firm fruits and vegetables should be scrubbed using a clean produce brush, according to the CDC. Cut out any damaged or bruised areas on fruits or vegetables before preparing and serving the food.
Bruises and blemishes can provide a doorway for bacteria and other bad actors to thrive.
Lastly, make sure to refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible and wash all food prep surfaces, dishes and utensils after use.
The avoid water exposure, abstain from drinking untreated water or using it to cook.
“If you feel sick after eating fresh produce, especially if diarrhea lasts more than a few days, call a doctor,” the Texas Department of State Health Services advises.
