A parasitic infection outbreak has grown to over 1,000 cases in Michigan, with cases also reported in Ohio. The outbreak, caused by the cyclospora parasite, has resulted in 992 reported cases in Michigan, including 40 hospitalizations, as of Wednesday.

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea. The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.

The parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water.

How to Protect Yourself

People who have diarrhea that hasn’t gone away on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of cyclospora. The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated.

Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before being eaten. However, cyclospora can stick to some foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection. Michigan officials recommend consumers purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes, and to remove the outer two to three leaves before washing the remaining leaves under running water.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.