ALPENA — District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) reported on Tuesday that the current case count of cyclosporiasis is 12 in DHD4’s jurisdiction, with one reported death.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. It is often contracted by eating or drinking something contaminated with the parasite. Typically, Michigan only records 40 to 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually.

However, as of July 13, MDHHS had reported an outbreak of cyclosporiasis with 2,640 cases confirmed.

According to Chelsea Engle, DHD4 health administrator, the first reported death in DHD4’s coverage area occurred in Presque Isle County and that cyclosporiasis was a contributing factor, though the individual who died had an existing health condition.

“There were chronic conditions already in place and then the cyclosporiasis furthered it,” she said at DHD4’s monthly Health Board meeting.

Engle told The News last week that individuals with weakened immune systems, including young children and the elderly, are at the highest risk of complications if they are infected.

“They have a higher risk of dehydration and complications if they acquire this parasite,” Engle explained.

In total, Engle reported the following case counts for cyclosporiasis in DHD4 service areas, as of Tuesday:

Alpena County — 6

Montmorency County — 0

Presque Isle County — 3

Cheboygan County — 3

According to Engle, state and federal health agencies have not tracked down a source for the parasite yet, though Taylor Farms, a producer of bagged lettuce and salads, had done an independent test and received a false positive.

“They went back … they say it’s very complex to detect,” she explained. “They went back and decided that they were going to review it … it was a false positive.”

“They’re still looking though,” Engle said, in regards to state and federal health agencies. “No confirmed positive result as of yesterday,” she added.

Engle explained that information that DHD4 communicable disease nurses have received points to the culprit of the parasite being lettuce.

According to Engle, the public should continue standard practices when cleaning produce, but to be aware there is potential of cyclosporiasis. She added that DHD4 recommends the public be “extra vigilant that their produce is extra clean.”

She explained that the public should cook vegetables whenever possible to kill the parasite before consuming, as well as thoroughly cleaning vegetables with water. She said to take special care washing vegetables and fruit with bumpy surfaces, like raspberries.

Overall, Engle said that the public shouldn’t avoid consuming produce all together, but to make decisions in regards to their health that is best for themselves and their loved ones.

“They have to make the best decisions for themselves and their family,” she said.

MDHHS recommends the following safe practices for all individuals when serving, preparing, or consuming lettuce and salad greens:

FOCUS ON LETTUCE AND SALAD GREENS

Given early information and the historical link between cyclospora and pre-packaged salad greens, MDHHS recommends adopting the following lettuce-specific safety measures:

– Purchase whole heads of lettuce

– Discard outer layers

– Wash inner leaves

– Prioritize cooking. For any greens that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158 F (70 C) is the safest option.

PREVIOUS OUTBREAKS

The following foods have been specifically linked to previous cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:

– Bagged salad mixes and kits

– Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)

– Fresh basil

– Raspberries

– Snow peas

– Green onions (scallions)

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.