Lettuce Under Scrutiny in US Cyclospora Outbreak, Michigan Officials Say

Michigan officials say lettuce or salad greens could be the source of a national cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened about 3,000 people across 31 states (with 86 hospitalizations); Michigan accounts for the majority of cases (~2,640). Investigators have not pinpointed a specific product, grower, or supplier. The parasite can cause watery diarrhea, dehydration and flu-like symptoms, and is treatable with fluids and antibiotics. Health officials advise avoiding prepackaged salads, buying whole heads of lettuce, rinsing thoroughly (discarding outer leaves), and cooking vegetables when possible.