Michigan health officials added nearly 300 cases of cyclosporiasis to the statewide count on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4, although the number of deaths remained unchanged.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 11,508 Michigan residents have been sickened with diarrheal parasitic cyclosporiasis — about a 274 jump in cases from Monday’s update, Aug. 3.
Two deaths were reported this week in connection with the parasite in Michigan, the MDHHS announced on Monday. The toll has not increased.
“According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. The two Michigan cases became ill prior to the voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce announced by U.S Food and Drug Administration on July 17,” the MHDDS said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted on its website on Aug. 3 that it is “aware of two cyclosporiasis-related deaths in people with underlying health conditions from Michigan as part of this outbreak.”
According to the latest county-by-county data, as of July 30, Wayne County had the highest number of reported cases with 1,379. Oakland County reported 1,043 cases. Cases have been reported in 72 of 83 Michigan counties as of July 30.
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayatenensis. The parasite can contaminate fruits and vegetables that come into contact with feces. The illness is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
The current outbreak has been linked to lettuce sold in several states.
When people get sick, the prominent symptom is watery or explosive diarrhea in addition to stomach cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, fever or possibly vomiting, per the MDHHS.
To reduce your risk of ingesting the parasite, residents are urged to wash their produce and hands thoroughly before cooking or eating.
“Although most people know animal products must be handled carefully to prevent illness, produce, too, can be the culprit in outbreaks of foodborne illness,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.
Cooking food to 158 degrees and washing thoroughly can reduce the risk of contracting the parasite.
Here’s more on how to protect yourself from getting the parasite and the case-by-county breakdown in Michigan, viewable at the bottom of the story:
How do I properly clean my produce? Steps to follow
Here are seven steps to effectively wash your fruits and vegetables before use, according to the FDA:
How to prepare different types of food
Shopping for produce locally, limiting the quantity to avoid spoiled produce and waiting to wash just before use are other recommended tips from to the Colorado State University Extension.
In addition to washing, experts say you should take several other steps while preparing raw fruits and vegetables to minimize the risk.
How long should I rinse/soak my fruit and vegetables for?
The duration of the wash depends on the food. For instance, leafy greens should be rinsed for a couple minutes to clear all crevices, per the CSU Extension. Porous foods like strawberries, cantaloupe or green onion are recommended to be rinsed for 20 seconds, according to Ohio State University, while smooth-surfaced foods like apples or watermelons may be rinsed for 10 seconds.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Cyclosporiasis cases increase by 270 in Michigan. No new deaths
Reporting by Dan Basso and Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Basso and Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
