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Cyclospora Outbreak Raises Concerns for Pensacola Residents
As state and federal officials work to identify the source of the recent outbreak of the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis, Michigan health officials have identified lettuces or salad greens as one potential culprit. “Early information has shown lettuce as a common…
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Key points
- Cyclospora outbreak linked to salad greens has reached 31 states, including Florida.
- Local residents advised to take precautions when consuming lettuce and salad greens.
- Health officials are investigating the outbreak’s source while emphasizing that the public’s risk remains low.
NewsWK — Pensacola and surrounding areas are now advised to take precautions as a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been linked to salad greens, including lettuces. Health officials are investigating the source of the outbreak, which has affected hundreds across 31 states, including Florida.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, mentioned that lettuce has surfaced as a frequent product during their investigations. While they focus on this potential source, officials emphasize that other foods could still be involved.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been at least 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide, though the actual number may be significantly higher due to underreporting. Symptoms of the illness include watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps, typically contracted through consumption of contaminated food or water.
As of July 1, Michigan reported nearly 200 cases, leading the country with a total of 2,640 cases and 44 hospitalizations, marking a 69% increase in reported cases from just a few days prior. Other states, including New York, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, have also experienced higher-than-normal case numbers.
For local residents in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and the surrounding areas, it’s important to stay informed and take safety measures when consuming salad greens. Experts recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-packaged options, discarding the outer leaves, washing inner leaves thoroughly, and cooking greens where possible.
The CDC expects case numbers to continue rising as there is typically a six-week lag in reporting illnesses. Additionally, Michigan health officials have conducted over 1,000 interviews with individuals who tested positive in an effort to trace the outbreak’s origin.
In the past, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have often been traced back to bagged salads and other fresh produce. The CDC is collaborating with state health departments to monitor the situation closely, though the risk to the general public remains low at this time.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Anna Claire Vollers originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
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