Cyclosporiasis update:

There have been 220 cases of cyclosporiasis in Ingham County this year as of today, according to Anne Barna, deputy Ingham County Health Officer.

She said the numbers are roughly proportionate for Ingham’s population and are, amid the statewide outbreak, far higher than usual.

More than 2,640 cases have been reported statewide, with at least 44 hospitalizations, according to state figures updated today.

The virus is characterized by diaherria and other symptoms and the cause has not been identified but authorities are recommending more thorough washing and cooking of fruits, vegetables and other foods.

Information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:

The following foods have been specifically linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:

• Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
• Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
• Fresh basil
• Raspberries
• Snow peas
• Green onions (scallions)
• Given the large and increasing number of cases in Michigan, MDHHS recommends that entities in Southeast Michigan who are preparing, processing, or serving raw produce, including restaurants and other commercial kitchens, take the following steps to reduce risks of exposure:
• Lettuce/leafy greens: buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.
• Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves. Safest when cooked.

Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.

Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).

Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.

These recommendations are particularly important for people who have a higher risk of dehydration or weakened immune systems such as patients on chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, infants and young children and elderly people.

General Rules to Reduce Your Risk

• Cook when you can. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
• Wash all fresh produce under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it.

Reminders about routine food safety practices

• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food.
• 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.
• Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food. Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where fresh produce is stored.
• Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces and utensils used to prepare, serve or store fresh produce.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.

If you do become ill

• People experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and ongoing diarrhea, are encouraged to contact their health care provider and reach out to their local health department.
• Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration.