As cyclosporiasis continues to sicken Michigan residents, health officials are urging consumers to take steps to help ward off the parasitic illness and curb its spread.
As of Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has received 681 reports of the illness since June 22.
Cyclosporiasis typically causes symptoms including prolonged watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and, in some cases, low-grade fever. Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, though they can appear anywhere from about two days to two weeks later.
Officials have not yet pinpointed the root cause of the outbreak but have issued several recommendations.
When preparing food
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables
• Wash fresh produce thoroughly under clean, running water, even if you plan to peel it. Fruits and vegetables labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home
• Cut away damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating
• Cook foods whenever possible
After preparing food
• Wash all food prep surfaces, dishes and utensils with soap and hot water
• Refrigerate any cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, ideally within two hours
Handling specific foods
• Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes). Throw away outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash inner leaves under running water
• Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating leaves
• Green onions: Trim the root end and remove outer layer
• Raspberries: Clean carefully as their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative
• Avoid drinking untreated water or using it to cook
If you have symptoms
• Contact a health care provider if you have several bouts of watery diarrhea per day. Contact them again if symptoms return or worsen after finishing full course of antibiotics
• Visit an emergency room if you have a weakened immune system and have symptoms of infectious disease. Also visit an ER if you have signs of severe dehydration, including confusion, dizziness or dark-colored urine, or if you’re not urinating as much as you should
• Avoid swimming for at least two weeks if you have diarrhea
If you have cyclosporiasis
• Get fluids, including water, sports drinks or broth
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Eat food, even if it’s small bites
• Take antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve
How it’s spread
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
The illness spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with the parasite. Food or water can become contaminated when it comes into contact with feces containing the parasite. Outbreaks are most often linked to contaminated fresh produce.
It is not spread directly from person to person.
Sources: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Cleveland Clinic
mreinhart@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads in Michigan: How to avoid the parasite
Reporting by Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Max Reinhart, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
