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Stomach parasite may be linked to lettuce, salad greens
NewsNation • • general
Key Points:
- Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services has identified lettuce and salad greens as a possible source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak causing severe diarrhea nationwide, following interviews with over 1,000 infected individuals.
- No specific type of produce, grower, or supplier has been confirmed as the source, and other food items have not been ruled out.
- As of mid-July, Michigan reports 2,640 cases of cyclosporiasis, significantly higher than the CDC's reported 843 cases nationwide, with Michigan and New York having the highest case numbers.
- Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne parasitic infection causing symptoms such as watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and fatigue, typically appearing 2 to 14 days after exposure; untreated infections can last weeks and symptoms may recur.
- The CDC advises precautions when handling or consuming raw foods to reduce infection risk, especially for those in or traveling to tropical or subtropical regions where the parasite is more common.
