Cyclosporiasis outbreak brings diet concerns for mid-Michigan residents
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HASLETT, Mich. (News 10) – As health officials investigate a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, some Mid-Michigan residents are rethinking how they buy and prepare fresh produce.
For Tamara Kirk of Haslett, the concern is personal. She has been sick with cyclosporiasis for nearly a month and says the experience has changed the way she views produce.
“This should not happen in America. This type of this type of parasite, it shouldn’t happen here,” Kirk said.
Kirk says she is now avoiding produce when possible and relies on her garden and food she raises at home.
“Just not gonna have it. So, just avoid it at all costs,” Kirk said. “We have a garden over there, and so we grow a lot of our own foods anyway.”
Kirk told News 10, a lot of nutrition and vitamins she’s substituting comes from the eggs her chickens lay daily.
For people who are concerned about fresh fruits and vegetables, Katelyn Cardoso with the Greater Lansing Food Bank says canned and frozen options can provide alternatives.
“Some of those items, as well, can preserve the nutrients in fruits and veggies even better than fresh options,” Cardoso said.
Michigan health officials recommend washing hands before handling produce and rinsing fruits and vegetables under clean, running water. Firm produce can be rubbed or scrubbed with a clean brush.
Experts say not to use soap, bleach or household cleaners on produce.
Health officials also suggest buying whole-head lettuce, removing the outer two to three layers of leaves and thoroughly washing the remaining leaves.
Cooking produce can further reduce the risk. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says cooking food to an internal temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills Cyclospora.
Kirk says she is now more cautious about where she buys produce.
“I do think twice about what I’m gonna get,” Kirk said. “I might go with farmer’s market, more homegrown, local pantry item, or food vegetable, or fruit item.”
Health officials have not yet identified a specific source of the outbreak.
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