Cyclosporiasis outbreak: How to wash produce

As cases of cyclosporiasis continue to spread across the U.S., public health agencies recommend thoroughly washing your produce to lower your risk for the foodborne parasite known to cause “explosive diarrhea.”JUMP TO: WHAT IS IT l HOW TO WASH PRODUCE l SYMPTOMS l CASES BY STATEAs of Thursday, cyclosporiasis cases were confirmed or being investigated in 29 states, according to The Associated Press. Cases are surging in Michigan, where more than 1,200 people have been sickened, and 40 people have been hospitalized. The outbreak is not yet considered a national health emergency. Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Experts say it’s usually found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.In the U.S., the parasite is typically spread through fresh produce in hot weather. It doesn’t spread from person-to-person. Public health officials haven’t linked the most recent outbreak to a specific type of produce grower or supplies, or a specific type of produce as a potential source of the outbreak.The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a list of produce that has been tied to previous outbreaks, including: Public health agencies say you should take the following steps to wash your produce before it’s consumed, though one study found that cyclospora isn’t easily removed by washing produce because it’s “stickier” than other bacteria and parasites: Researchers also say washing your produce with one cup of white vinegar mixed with three or four cups of water can help to remove pesticides and prevent mold, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration recommend simply rinsing the produce under running water. Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and may include:For people who don’t get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.Researchers say the illness is hard to track for several reasons, but cases are currently being investigated in 29 states. Here’s a look at cases in each state, based on the data available as of July 9: