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A potentially severe gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora has spread rapidly in Michigan and Northern Ohio, and now has been identified in 31 states, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials have yet to identify the source of the parasitic foodborne outbreak, known as cyclosporiasis, creating something of a challenge for event organizers and F&B venues.
The CDC has reported 843 confirmed cases and 86 hospitalizations across 31 states as of July 9, although the actual number is likely far higher, as that only includes cases that were reported to and confirmed by the agency. Michigan alone has 2,640 reported cases as of July 13, with 44 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported from the ailment.
Symptoms include sudden and ongoing severe diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss, and can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks after being infected. According to Michigan state officials, cyclosporiasis is best treated with antibiotics coupled with rest and drinking lots of fluids to maintain hydration.
Cyclosporiasis typically grows in frequency over the summer months, but multiple states are currently reporting notable year-over-year increases over the past few weeks.
Precautions for food preparation
As cases have grown particularly quickly in Southeast Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services has issued precautions for restaurants, commercial kitchens and basically anyone who is serving raw produce in the region. While the source of this outbreak hasn't been confirmed, these are ingredients which have been identified as culprits in past outbreaks, and should be treated with care wherever there are reported cases.
Cooking produce is the only surefire way to kill the parasite.
- Lettuce and leafy greens: Purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than prewashed, bagged greens. Remove the outer two to three leaves and wash the remaining leaves under running water. Cook leafy greens when possible.
- Cilantro and basil: Separate the leaves and wash thoroughly under running water. Cooking is the safest option.
- Green onions: Trim the root end, remove the outer layer and wash thoroughly under running water. Cooking is the safest option.
- Raspberries: Their surface is difficult to clean. Consider using cooked raspberries or frozen raspberries. Freezing might reduce but does not entirely eliminate the parasite.
- Snow peas: Wash thoroughly under running water while rubbing the surface. Cooking is the safest option.