While fresh watermelon and veggie-rich salads are summer staples, some Michiganders are finding that their produce has been making them sick.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection carried in water and produce that causes diarrhea, nausea and other digestive issues. While it usually is not life threatening, this illness can cause extreme discomfort and dehydration. Combined with the heat wave of the summer, Michiganders should be sure to drink plenty of water and visit cooling centers when needed.
In Michigan, reported cases jumped from 170 on Tuesday, July 1 to 572 as of July 4. The State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services lists Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland and Livingston counties as having the most cases.
While MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development have not been able to find a cause of this outbreak, they have listed causes of past outbreaks: salad kits or mixes, cilantro (coriander leaves), basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions (scallions).
When handling these foods, MDHHS recommends the following:
- Purchase whole lettuce rather than salad kits or bagged lettuce. Remove and throw away the outer two to three layers of greens before washing under running water; for leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking them is the safest option
- Wash cilantro, snow peas and basil under running water, separating leaves and rubbing the surface. These are safest to eat when cooked
- Remove the outer layers and root of green onions and wash in running water; also safest to eat when cooked
- Raspberries are particularly hard to wash effectively due to the bumpy surface. Raspberries are safest to eat when cooked, such as in jams or pies, or using frozen raspberries, as freezing lowers but does not eliminate risk
General rules to live by during this outbreak is to cook your produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit when possible and to wash all fresh produce, even if you plan to peel it. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends the following precautions:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible
- Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces and utensil used to prepare, serve or store fresh produce
For those who do become sick and suspect cyclosporiasis, it is important to contact your doctor or local health department. Cyclosporiasis can be treated easily with antibiotics, and visiting the doctor can help research to prevent future cases.
