An outbreak of diarrhea-inducing parasites has been raising food safety concerns around the country, but health authorities say there’s little cause for alarm in Virginia.
Ten cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in Virginia between the start of the year and June 6, including four in Northern Virginia, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health. That’s compared to a year-to-date average of 6.6 cases statewide.
“The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is closely monitoring and investigating reported cyclosporiasis cases,” the health department wrote. “There is not currently evidence that Virginia is experiencing an outbreak.”
Cases of the parasite, which has been linked to imported fresh produce and causes watery and sometimes “explosive” diarrhea, typically increase in the spring and summer months in Virginia.
Nationwide, the epicenter of recent cyclosporiasis cases is in the Midwest. More than 1,500 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with the parasitic infection, and investigations into similar illnesses have been going on in 30 other states.
Cyclospora surges can be tricky to investigate, and food poisoning sources can be hard to establish. Investigations can take months and sometimes never find a clear source.
In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water. Also, it’s possible that food distributors may channel contaminated foods to both grocery stores and restaurants, making it hard to discern where tainted food came from.
The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces.
Food safety tips
While the source of the outbreak is unknown, it’s a reminder to always practice basic hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food, said Dr. Erika Noel, an assistant professor at Hawaii’s medical school and a pediatrician on the island of Kauai.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t kill cyclospora, but soap and water are highly effective at killing or removing the parasite from hands.
Previous outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and salad mixes.
Noel has some tips for washing produce: When washing items like cilantro and basil, separate the leaves. For green onions, cut off the roots, remove the outer layer and run them under water while rubbing the surface. Cooking produce to an internal temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) or higher will kill cyclospora.
Research shows that washing fruits and vegetables in vinegar can be helpful. Vinegar won’t kill the parasite but can help remove it. Noel recommends submerging produce in a bowl filled with three parts water and one part vinegar and swishing it around for a few minutes. Using a salad spinner to rinse with water can help get rid of the vinegary taste.
Instead of purchasing pre-mixed salad and washing individual leaves, opt for a head of lettuce and removing the outer layer.
For melons, scrub the outside before cutting through as the knife can carry germs from the rind into the fruit inside.
Peel fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
Don’t forget to wash cutting boards and countertops.
