Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 13
Michigan Officials Link Cyclosporiasis Outbreak to Lettuce or Salad Greens as Cases Reach 10
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 13

Michigan Officials Link Cyclosporiasis Outbreak to Lettuce or Salad Greens as Cases Reach 10

3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 13

Summary

  • Michigan health officials said lettuce or salad greens are the leading suspected source in the state's cyclosporiasis outbreak, though no specific product has been confirmed.
  • Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said early interviews repeatedly pointed to lettuce, prompting the state to warn residents so they can take steps to protect their families.
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis causes a diarrheal illness marked by frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue; some patients also report body aches, headache or vomiting.
  • The investigation is still developing, with officials saying they will provide updates as they learn more about the outbreak's source.

Insights

With a parasite that washing can't remove sickening thousands, is any salad truly safe to eat this summer?
Is climate change creating new dangers in our food supply by helping parasites thrive in farm fields?
As a massive foodborne outbreak spreads, why did national health agencies recently scale back their surveillance efforts?