A fast-moving parasite outbreak is spreading across Southeast Michigan, and now we are getting answers from the state’s top doctor.
Here’s what we know
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said cases have exploded in just five days.
On June 30, there were 170 unconfirmed cases. As of Saturday, July 4, the cases jumped to 572. That’s more than three times the number of cases in less than a week.
For some context, Michigan usually sees about 50 cases a year. The hardest-hit counties are Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw and Wayne.
What is cyclosporiasis?
It’s caused by a parasite and spreads through contaminated fresh produce.
Related --> What is cyclosporiasis? Know the signs, prevention as Michigan health officials investigate outbreak
Currently, no specific food source has been identified. Health officials are urging everyone in Southeast Michigan to take precautions now.
But whole heads of lettuce, not bagged salad mixes. Wash all fresh produce under running water.
Refrigerate cut or cooked vegetables within two hours. And when in doubt, cook it. Heating food to 150 degrees kills the parasite.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, joined Local 4 Live to help us understand the scope of this outbreak.
You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.