Michigan Officials Investigate Salad Greens as Source of Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

NewsWK — Health officials in Michigan have identified salad greens, particularly lettuce, as a likely contributor to a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis. This intestinal illness has affected hundreds across 31 states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming 843 cases, though officials believe actual numbers may be higher.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, stated, “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.” The state has reported a staggering increase in cases, with 2,640 confirmed as of Monday, marking a 69% rise from the previous Friday.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the parasite cyclospora, include severe diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. The illness typically arises from consuming food or beverages contaminated with fecal matter. Michigan reported its first cases on July 1, and is currently leading the nation in reported infections.

Other states, including New York, Ohio, and Illinois, have also reported increases in cases. In New York City alone, there have been 403 cases this year, with the health department actively seeking a common source.

Safety Recommendations for Consumers

In light of the outbreak, health officials are urging consumers to take precautions when handling lettuce:

• Purchase whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed or bagged varieties.
• Discard the outer layers of leaves before preparing the inner leaves.
• Thoroughly wash the remaining leaves under clean, running water.
• Cook any greens that can be heated to at least 158°F (70°C) to ensure safety.

The CDC has indicated that case numbers are expected to rise, considering the typical delay in reporting illness. Michigan’s health department has conducted over 1,000 interviews with individuals who have tested positive, seeking to trace the outbreak’s origins. Despite the situation, health officials emphasize that the overall risk to the public remains low.

Historically, previous outbreaks have often been linked to prepackaged salad kits and certain fresh produce. For instance, one of the largest outbreaks occurred in 2020, resulting in 701 illnesses across 14 states, tied to Fresh Express bagged salads.