Michigan Hit by Unusually Massive Summer Outbreak of Watery Stomach Illness

One of the best parts about the summer in Michigan is the fresh fruit that is grown by our local farmers.

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Whether you pick it up at the grocery store, a roadside stand, or your local farmers market they all just taste so good.

Unfortunately for nearly 600 Michiganders the fresh fruit they've eaten has come back to be a pain in their gut and butt.

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak In Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is currently  investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak after more than 570 cases were reported across Michigan as of the Fourth of July weekend.

Most of the cases have been reported in Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

To put it in perspective, Michigan usually sees about 50 cases a year.

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MDHHS has not yet been able to find a common source of the outbreak but say that cyclosporiasis is most commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce during the summer months.

The MDHHS offers up the following advice to avoid getting sick.

• Cook when you can. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
• Wash all fresh produce under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it.
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
• Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food. Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where fresh produce is stored.
• Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces and utensils used to prepare, serve or store fresh produce.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.

As someone who loves fresh strawberries, I'm going to make sure that I follow these steps to keep myself and my family as safe as possible.

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