Health officials identify ‘potential source’ of parasitic infection causing ‘explosive diarrhoea’ outbreak
Authorities in Michigan believe they may have pinpointed the cause of a parasite outbreak causing serious gastrointestinal issues across the United States, based on early results.
Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis, is sweeping the US, with 31 states confirming cases, as per federal and state health officials.
As reported by PBS News Hour, around 4,000 cases have been filed this summer, with 2,640 reported in the state of Michigan alone as of Monday 13 July.
Of the thousands, 44 diagnosed with cyclosporiasis have been hospitalised with symptoms including nausea, fatigue, bloating, and of course, explosive, watery diarrhoea, as per Dr Omer Awan, University of Maryland School of Medicine.
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The expert said that with usual stomach bugs, watery diarrhoea lasts about two or three days.
However, with the cases of cyclosporiasis, the issue can ‘last weeks, if not months’ and the incubation period for symptoms is around two weeks.
Experts have been working around the clock to identify where the illness outbreak occured - with researchers claiming ‘early tests’ have ‘pointed’ to particular food sources.
In a statement, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said that while investigations continue, initial research has suggested that ‘lettuce or salad greens’ could be the potential ‘source for this outbreak’.
“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far, so they can take steps to protect their families,” said Dr Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive.
“Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation.”
She added that the MDHHS will continue to provide updates if and when they learn more.
“MDHHS continues to work closely with local health departments to conduct in-depth interviews of individuals testing positive for cyclosporiasis, as well as with other state and federal partners to conduct traceback investigations. More than 1,000 interviews have than have been completed to date,” the notice continued.
Authorities have issued advice when it comes to consuming lettuce and salad greens, including purchasing whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce, or pre-mixed salad kits.
It’s advised you discard the outer layers of the vegetable, and that inner leaves are washed under clean running water.
Those worried about contracting cyclosporiasis should also prioritise cooking to a temperature of at least 158F (70C).
Officials claim this is the ‘safest option, as the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and washing alone cannot guarantee its removal.”
Dr Awan added that anyone who is suffering from diarrhoea for more than two to three days should talk to their doctor and get tested so that treatment can begin.
Last week, a Taco Bell site believed to be in Michigan announced customers were unable to be served various salad itemsamid the outbreak.
According to a Reddit post, lettuce, cilantro, onion, guacamole and pico de gallo were off the menu due to ‘a nationwide recall’.
“We apologise for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them,” the sign added.
Menu items impacted by the cull, which is not nationwide, include the new Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza and the Crunchwrap Supreme.
The chain has not been identified as the source, and no illnesses have been publicly tied to its restaurants.
FOODbible has previously contacted Taco Bell for comment.
Ella Scott