A parasite outbreak caused by cyclospora has hit at least 1,400 people across several states, with the epicenter in Michigan where over 1,200 people have fallen ill. Ohio has also seen nearly 200 cases, and other states such as New York, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas have reported a jump in cases.
How to Stay Safe
According to Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, cyclosporiasis can be prevented by cooking food to an internal temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, which kills cyclospora. For foods that cannot be cooked, such as salad greens, washing them thoroughly for at least a minute by immersing them in water and swishing gently by hand can help reduce the risk.
Researchers have also tested a rinse of one part vinegar to three parts water, which can remove most cyclospora spores from produce. Breaking off and discarding the outer leaves of a head of lettuce and scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables with a soft brush while rinsing can also help reduce the risk.
If you have diarrhea for longer than 48 hours, it is recommended to head to the doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Standard tests may not include cyclospora, so your doctor may need to special order it.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
