TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – An intestinal parasite is spreading across southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio, with health officials reporting cases in Monroe, Lenawee, Lucas, and Wood counties.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said cases in southeast Michigan jumped 29 percent in just four days. Statewide, reported cases rose to 572 as of Saturday, July 4, up from 170 on Tuesday, June 30.
Where cases are highest
Cases remain highest in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston counties, according to MDHHS. The department said it is working with local health departments to find the source.
What is behind the outbreak
MDHHS said previous outbreaks of Cyclosporiasis have been linked to contaminated produce in the past. The following foods have previously 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, and carrots)
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions (scallions)
Once someone consumes the parasite, symptoms can take anywhere from two days to two weeks to appear. Those symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills.
What health officials say you can do
Lucas County Epidemiologist Teresa DeTano is urging people to wash their hands and produce, which is the best defense against infection. She also addressed a common misconception about cooking contaminated food.
“Some people have also asked about if I just cook my vegetables really well or my produce or whatever it is that I’m consuming really well, that will kill the parasite — not necessarily. This one does not seem to be heat resistant, so to speak. So you have to be very careful,” DeTano said…