The Microscopic Parasite Causing Severe Illness in Michigan Has a Likely Source

When I heard a few weeks ago that a microscopic parasite had given hundreds of  people across Michigan explosive diarrhea I was very concerned.

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I thought to myself, 'was I eating something that could possibly make me sick?"

The thing that made it so concerning is that health experts were having a hard time tracking down the source of contamination so you didn't know exactly what to avoid.

Leafy greens and fruits were at the top of the list of suspected foods that were causing so many people to get sick.

Earlier this morning The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shared what they believe to be the main source behind the explosive diarrhea.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive in a press release said:

“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families. Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.”

While the investigation is ongoing it might not be a bad idea to avoid leafy greens as well as other items suspected of sickening people across Michigan.

Read More: Michigan Restaurants Guy Fieri Has Visited With The Food Network

f you're still going to have them, this is what health experts say to do.

Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer two–three layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water.

Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves.

Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water.

Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative.

Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked

This information is helpful and it's nice that they think they've narrowed down the source, but until we know for sure I'm going to keep on avoiding all the possible suspects.