Michigan officials eye lettuce in cyclosporiasis outbreak
State health officials said lettuce or salad greens may be linked to Michigan’s cyclosporiasis cases, while the CDC reports a wider multistate outbreak.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
2 min read
Michigan health officials said lettuce or salad greens may be tied to the state’s cyclosporiasis outbreak, a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite. The warning matters because Michigan accounts for 2,640 cases, while federal health officials have tracked nearly 3,000 cases across 31 states.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said in a state statement Monday that early information in the investigation has repeatedly pointed to lettuce as a common item. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said investigators still do not have enough evidence to identify a specific kind of produce, grower or supplier.
The department also said other foods have not been ruled out. Officials emphasized that the lettuce finding applies to Michigan, not necessarily to cases in other states.
What health officials know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has described the illnesses as part of a national foodborne outbreak. According to the CDC, 86 people have been hospitalized.
Case counts may trail the actual spread of illness, health experts say, because symptoms can take about a week to develop. That delay can also make it harder for investigators to connect infections to a specific food item.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal infection linked to the Cyclospora parasite. Health officials say it can cause watery diarrhea that may be severe or difficult to control, along with flu-like symptoms such as marked fatigue and body aches.
Other reported symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea and unusually bad gas. Health officials say dehydration is one of the more serious concerns, especially when diarrhea is prolonged.
The illness can be treated with fluids and an antibiotic, according to health officials.
Advice for consumers
Michigan health officials urged consumers in the state to avoid prepackaged salads while the investigation continues. They advised people who buy lettuce to choose whole heads rather than packaged mixes.
Officials said heads of lettuce should be rinsed thoroughly and outer leaves should be discarded. They also advised cooking vegetables when possible.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has not identified a brand, supplier or farm connected to the outbreak. Its current guidance is based on early interviews and other information gathered during the investigation, according to the department.
The CDC continues to track the broader outbreak across 31 states. Michigan health officials said their current findings do not rule out other foods, and investigators are still working to determine whether a more specific source can be identified.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.