The Michigan Department of Health has issued an advisory to wash vegetables well and remove the outer layer of lettuce in the wake of the virus outbreak.
More than half of US states have reported outbreaks of cyclosporiosis, an infection caused by a microscopic parasite that causes severe diarrhea. Michigan is the most affected, as the state reported the diagnosis of more than 1,000 cases within two weeks.
But 31 states have reported outbreaks, in which patients become infected by consuming food or water containing the parasite. No deaths have been reported so far due to this infection.
Cases of cyclosporiosis in the United States
Between May 1 and July 9, there were 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiosis in the United States, according to data released Thursday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).There are likely hundreds more, with the public health agency saying Friday it is aware of more than 1,500 cases that require further analysis to confirm the disease.No deaths were reported, and 86 people were hospitalized, the CDC said.After Michigan, New York has seen the highest number of cases so far. State health officials said on July 8 that nearly 300 cases had been reported there.In Illinois, public health officials reported 141 cases on July 7, calling that an “above average” number, and 177 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Ohio, according to officials there.
What happens to those infected?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by a microscopic parasite, according to the CDC. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. The illness is not usually life-threatening, according to the CDC, and is less common than other foodborne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli.People infected with Cyclospora may or may not experience symptoms. The public health agency says the disease usually causes diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.”If untreated, the illness may last from a few days to more than a month, and symptoms may return after they seem to dissipate.
Michigan issues tips for restaurants and kitchens
Due to a higher number of cases in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health has asked restaurants and kitchens to make sure vegetables are washed well. Other instructions include cooking berries and leafy greens when possible, and removing the outer layers of lettuce and green onions, although their effectiveness has not been medically proven.
