This is what might be behind the infection causing 'explosive diarrhea'
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
With cases of a parasitic infection causing 'explosive diarrhea' rising to thousands in Michigan, health authorities believe they have identified an early clue to a possible source of the outbreak. In a new update on Monday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that, while it continues its investigation into the more than 2,600 cases identified so far, 'current findings point to lettuce or leafy greens' as a possible source. However, health authorities noted that 'other foods cannot be completely ruled out' and that 'no specific type of product, farmer, or supplier has been identified as the source.' 'Although we have not identified a definitive product as the origin of the outbreak, we want to inform Michigan residents about what we have learned so far so they can take action to protect their families,' said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, executive medical director of MDHHS, in a statement. 'Preliminary information has shown that lettuce is a common product that frequently appears during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.' Known for causing watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by a parasite typically linked to contaminated food and water. Michigan health authorities stated that, while they usually record only 40-50 cases a year, they have already observed 2,640 in a matter of weeks. 'MDHHS continues to work closely with local health departments to conduct in-depth interviews with individuals who test positive for cyclosporiasis, as well as with other state and federal partners to carry out trace investigations. To date, more than 1,000 interviews have been completed,' the department said in a statement. 'Given the magnitude of the outbreak, the incubation period of up to two weeks for symptoms to develop after exposure, and the complex food distribution networks in the state and nationwide, agencies will take some time to complete their investigation.' While infections can be contracted by swimming in contaminated waters, that transmission is rare, and Michigan health authorities stated that 'it is not a recognized risk factor' and that 'there is currently no evidence linking recreational water activities to this outbreak.' Instead, they have indicated that food exposure remains the primary focus of the most recent outbreak, which has caused cases nationwide, including in Illinois, where more than 150 cases have been reported so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Friday that 31 states have reported cases of cyclosporiasis and 86 people have been hospitalized.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
