A parasite that can contaminate raw produce and causes ferocious and long-lasting bouts of diarrheal illness is making people sick across several states. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 145 cases nationwide between May 1 and June 16, with at least 20 hospitalizations.

Affected States

Michigan and New York State have seen a significant number of cases, with Michigan reporting at least 170 cases in the past nine days and New York State reporting 107 cases since May 1.

The parasite, cyclosporiasis, is caused by a single-cell parasite carried in human feces and can contaminate food when water contaminated with feces is sprayed on crops. It can often be a problem for travelers, but the CDC says the current cases did not report travel in the two weeks before they got sick.

No specific food has been implicated in the current outbreaks, but two categories of produce seem to be commonly associated with outbreaks: the ‘basil and herb’ category, including cilantro and basil, and the fresh berry category, including strawberries and blueberries.

To avoid getting sick, it’s essential to thoroughly wash all fresh produce before eating it. Thoroughly washing hands and kitchen counters, and cutting surfaces, is also important. However, bleach does not kill the parasite, so Clorox wipes are not effective.

The primary symptoms of cyclosporiasis are frequent bouts of watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a low-grade fever, which can start anywhere from 2 to 14 days after eating contaminated food. Staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes with a drink like Gatorade or Pedialyte is crucial.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.