Wayne County leads country in produce borne viral infections
Health officials report that while Michigan leads the nation in the number of debilitating cyclosporiasis infections caused by a virus on fresh fruits and vegetables, Wayne County has reported more instances of the illness than any area throughout the country. More than 8,100 cases have been reported in the state and Wayne County has recorded 1,201 cases of the intestinal infection which stems from the Cyclospora parasite, heavily tied to fresh produce and leafy greens
A recent poll found that four in 10 Americans are carefully weighing the purchase of fresh produce in the area and have curtailed eating salads and garnishes of lettuce, tomato and cucumber, in light of the potential illness.
While Michigan officials say lettuce is the potential source, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to find a positive link to the parasite in any food product, leaving the investigation open.
The virus spreads via food or water contaminated with microscopic feces; it does not pass directly person-to-person, health officials said. Symptoms include frequent, watery diarrhea (often explosive); severe abdominal cramps and bloating; nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue and often a low-grade fever.
Offiicals said symptoms usually start about a week after exposure but can take up to two weeks.
Medical experts advise residents to buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-bagged mixes, discard the outer leaves, and wash the inner leaves thoroughly under clean running water. Cooking greens destroys the parasite, they added.
Those who have ongoing symptoms are urged to contact their physicians and specifically request a test for Cyclospora. Treatment relies on prescription antibiotics like Bactrim (TMP-SMX), medical experts advised.
