As the number of cases in the diarrhea epidemic caused by the “cyclospora” parasite in the USA increases rapidly, health officials point to packaged salads and greens as the source of the epidemic. It is recommended to buy whole lettuce and wash the leaves separately for safe consumption.
“Elchi” reports that the number of cases in Michigan, the state most affected by the epidemic, has exceeded 2,600, and hundreds of people have been hospitalized in the neighboring state of Ohio. Officials state that dozens of people affected by the disease have been hospitalized. Although preliminary survey studies show that lettuce and greens are among the foods most consumed by patients, experts emphasize that it is still too early to say anything definitive.
Since it has not yet been determined which manufacturer or product type caused the epidemic, a comprehensive decision regarding product recall has not yet been made.
Tracking the parasite is more difficult than bacteria
DNA analysis methods are generally used to find the source of the epidemic. While it is easy to trace the source by deciphering the genetic structure of bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, this process is quite difficult with complex parasites like cyclospora. Although experts compare the genetic map of bacteria to a children’s book, they liken the cyclospora parasite to a masterpiece that is extremely difficult to decipher. This complicates genetic matching in laboratory conditions and delays the identification of the source.
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