A Diarrhea-Causing Parasite Is Spreading. Should You Stop Eating Salad?
You might dub it "produce paranoia." On social media, videos show people clearing out their fridges, swearing off salads and debating whether it's safe to eat cilantro.
It's the frantic but expected internet response to the surge in cases of a diarrhea-causing parasite that's rapidly spreading across the US, as health officials investigate whether salad greens may be contributing to the outbreak.
As of Tuesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 1,645 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is investigating 5,100 additional reports. Cases of the "explosive diarrhea parasite" have been reported across 34 states, with Michigan among the hardest-hit regions.
The gastrointestinal illness is caused by cyclospora, a foodborne pathogen that's difficult to trace but has historically been linked to fresh produce such as berries and lettuce. As of yet, no specific food, brand, grower or supplier has been conclusively identified...
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