How to stay safe and still enjoy produce this summer with the outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite

Many people in the United States got sick By a parasite that is often linked to contaminated fresh produce and can cause watery diarrhea for weeks. But there are ways to protect yourself and enjoy summer’s abundance of fruits and vegetables.

The exact source of one of the country’s largest outbreaks of cyclospora infection in years is still unknown. And it can be hard to figure out what foodies people have in common because sometimes it’s a single ingredient that can be common to multiple recipes, like basil or cilantro.

Fortunately, cyclospora infections can usually be treated with antibiotics and rarely cause serious complications.

And there are ways to avoid getting it altogether.

Here are tips to reduce risk:

Cyclospora can be difficult to research

Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that causes watery diarrhea accompanied by frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 1,500 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with parasitic infections, and investigations into similar illnesses are ongoing in 30 other states; This has become the largest outbreak in the state’s history and one of the nation’s largest outbreaks in recent years. No deaths were reported.

Cyclospora spikes can be difficult to investigate and sources of food poisoning can be difficult to detect. Investigations can take months and sometimes a clear source is never found.

In the past, people became infected by consuming fruits or vegetables. vegetable Those exposed to irrigation water contaminated with feces. Additionally, it is possible for food distributors to channel contaminated food to both grocery stores and restaurants, making it difficult to figure out where the tainted food is coming from.

epidemics It occurs most often in late spring and summer.

The thermophilic parasite infects the intestines and spreads through feces.

Food safety tips

D., an assistant professor at the Hawaii medical school and a pediatrician on the island of Kauai. Erika Noel said that while the source of the outbreak is unknown, it is a reminder to always follow basic hygiene rules, including washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill cyclospora, but soap and water are quite effective in killing or removing the parasite from hands.

Previous outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and salad mixes.

Noel has some tips for washing produce: Separate the leaves when washing items like cilantro and basil. For green onions, cut off the roots, remove the outer layer and run under water, scrubbing the surface. Cooking products to an internal temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) or higher will kill cyclospora.

Research shows that washing fruits and vegetables with vinegar may be beneficial. Vinegar does not kill the parasite but may help eliminate it. Noel recommends soaking the produce in a bowl of three parts water and one part vinegar and shaking for a few minutes. Using a salad spinner to rinse with water can help get rid of the vinegar taste.

Instead of buying pre-mixed lettuce and washing the leaves one by one, choose to buy a head of lettuce and remove the outer layer.

Scrub the outside of melons before cutting them, as the knife can carry germs from the skin to the inside of the fruit.

Peel as many fruits and vegetables as possible.

Don’t forget to wash the cutting boards and countertops.

Some products may be difficult to clean

Anything with narrow crevices or delicate skin, such as broccoli and cauliflower, can be difficult to clean. Because the fruits are tough, Noel recommends baking them into pies or making jam rather than eating them raw.

Anything that grows underground and is covered in thick dirt, such as root vegetables like carrots, potatoes and radishes, is also difficult to clean.

If you’re using pre-mixed salads that have labels stating that the items have been washed, it’s best to wash them again with water and vinegar.

‘We don’t need to panic’

Noel doesn’t want the pandemic to lead people to avoid eating fruit and vegetables; The health benefits outweigh the risks.

“We don’t need to panic,” he said.

Just be aware and practice basic hygiene habits, which is always good practice.