Stop eating salad? Lettuce may be to blame for explosive diarrhea parasite outbreak

Michigan, the state with the highest number of cases of cyclosporiasis — caused by what The Post first nicknamed the “explosive diarrhea” parasite — has a primary suspect for the source of the outbreak: lettuce.They haven’t, however, found the specific lettuce or salad green to blame, nor a grower or supplier at fault.While cases skyrocket in Michigan to 2,640 — up 69% from Friday — they’re are also rising across the country.New York City is another hotspot for the infection, with 374 cases between May 1 and July 10, an official told The Post.

The city is still hunting for a source for the outbreak here.So if we know people generally get cyclospora from produce and some officials think lettuce is what’s to blame this time around — should we, at least for now, stop eating salad… for our health?Previously, there was only broad guidance from the CDC on washing and cooking produce whenever possible.Previous outbreaks pointed to bagged salad mixes, herbs like cilantro and basil, and berries like raspberries.Cooking is the best, most effective way to kill any undesirables, experts agree.If food must be consumed fresh — like a beloved salad — washing whole produce well is the next best thing.

But it’s not perfect.“The parasite can be difficult to remove from leafy produce because it may become trapped in folds, crevices, or areas that water does not reach easily,” Melissa Vaccaro, a senior food safety program specialist at National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), explained.Cyclosporiasis symptoms include severe cramping, nausea, vomiting, fatigue — and what’s been described as watery, explosive diarrhea.While some who are infected never exhibit symptoms, others need to be hospitalized.Dr.

Manish N.Trivedi, director of infectious diseases at AtlantiCare, said that if you’re not washing your greens yourself, it might be a good idea not to order it at a restaurant or else buy it prepared — especially if you’re immunocomp...