Cases of diarrhea caused by the parasite cyclospora continue to clim, raising concerns over food safety amid an ongoing outbreak across several states, with over 3,000 cases reported in Michigan and Ohio alone, and additional instances linked in West Virginia and Kentucky, reports BritPanorama.
Health officials in Michigan suggest that lettuce or salad greens could be the source, but no specific type, grower, or supplier has been pinpointed. Nationally, more than 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed or are under investigation across 34 states since May 1, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The full geographic scope of the Midwest outbreak remains unclear.
This summer, Michigan health officials advise shoppers to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming leafy greens. Meanwhile, federal health officials urge vigilance regarding health alerts and recommend best practices for washing food.
“Cyclospora is a very hardy organism, and it adheres well to surfaces of fresh produce and fruit,” stated Dr. Nuwan Gunawardhana, an epidemiologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He emphasized that cyclospora is not transmitted from person to person, which may alleviate some public concern.
Who’s most at risk
Cyclosporiasis typically manifests symptoms such as prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite, appearing between two days and two weeks post-exposure. If untreated, the illness can persist for weeks and may result in dehydration. About 1 in every 11 cases has led to hospitalization, yet there have been no reported fatalities.
“Those most at risk are young children, elderly individuals, and immunosuppressed people,” explained Dr. Dan Barouch, director at the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research. “For most other healthy individuals, the disease is often mild, so while precautions are sensible for at-risk groups, there’s no need for widespread panic.”
For those concerned about safe food consumption, experts recommend specific practices. When selecting produce, it is advisable to choose whole, uncut items and avoid pre-cut products. Bagged salad mixes have been linked to prior cyclosporiasis outbreaks, prompting warnings from Michigan’s health officials.
Foods to avoid
Health authorities recommend steering clear of bagged lettuce and salad products for now. If consumption is necessary, thoroughly rewash them at home despite being prewashed, as the source of the outbreak remains unidentified. Additionally, fruits and vegetables that are bruised or rotten should be avoided.
Experts have noted that individuals with weakened immune systems may prefer to refrain from fresh produce until a specific source of infection is identified. Meanwhile, whole-head lettuce is recommended, along with thoroughly washing the inner leaves after discarding the outer layers.
The wrong way to wash
Proper washing is crucial in minimizing foodborne illness risks. However, washing produce with soaps, bleach, or household cleaners is discouraged, as those substances can leave harmful residues. Experts advise against the use of sanitizers that are not effective against cyclospora.
“Thorough washing with clean, running water is important,” said Stoeckel. “But it’s good to remember that washing will not remove all pathogens, especially from delicate items like leafy greens.”
The right way to wash
To effectively wash produce, individuals should follow three key steps: wash hands with soap and water, rinse the produce under clean running water, and scrub firm items like cucumbers or potatoes with friction. While these actions help mitigate contamination, they cannot entirely guarantee the elimination of cyclospora.
“Cooking foods to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the most effective way to kill cyclospora,” noted Gunawardhana. “It’s essential to prioritize cooking, especially given the current outbreak.”
While the situation continues to evolve, health regulators advocate for maintaining standard food safety practices and staying informed about new alerts regarding food safety and contamination risks.
As the cyclospora outbreak unfolds, public health efforts remain focused on preventing further spread and protecting vulnerable populations, underscoring the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines.
