Cyclosporiasis, yuck
LSU AgCenter offers advice to keep the parasite away
A nasty stomach bug linked to lettuce or other leafy greens has sickened more than 2,640 people in Michigan, sending 44 to the hospital.
The illness, cyclosporiasis, is caused by a parasite and has increased 70% in Michigan in one week, where the outbreak began. Investigators have identified leafy greens as the likely source, though not a specific farm or product.
The Louisiana angle: The parasite has not spread widely here. About 40 cases have been reported statewide, up roughly 25% over two weeks, according to state health officials.
What to do: There is no reason to panic. But there is a reason to wash your lettuce and a few more preventive moves. LSU AgCenter food-safety experts recommend:
- Washing hands for at least 20 seconds before preparing food or eating.
- Rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, and scrubbing firm produce with a clean brush. Remove bruised or damaged portions of foods as well.
- Keeping produce away from raw meat, poultry and seafood.
- Washing cutting boards, knives and countertops regularly.
- Refrigerating cut, peeled or cooked produce within two hours, and keeping pre-cut fruits and vegetables cold.
None of these steps eliminates the risk entirely. They do, however, reduce the odds that your salad will exact revenge.
