What Washingtonians should know about the Cyclospora outbreak
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So far, Washington state and King County aren't part of the multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, which has sickened more than 1,600 people around the country.
- The illness can cause symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and watery or explosive diarrhea.
The latest: On Thursday, federal officials linked the outbreak to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
What they're saying: "At this time, we are not seeing a suspected food source or signs of an outbreak in Washington," Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health, told Axios on Friday.
Between the lines: Although cases are up slightly in Washington this year, that could be partly due to increased awareness of the illness and more frequent testing, Johnson said.
- Between May 1 and July 16, the state recorded 33 cyclosporiasis infections, with 26 of those cases linked to international travel (mainly to Mexico).
- Last year, the state had 25 cases over the same period.
What's next: Public health officials are closely monitoring three cases in people who were likely exposed in Washington to see whether they share a common food source, Johnson said.
In the meantime, you should wash your hands and practice basic food safety — and don't eat shredded lettuce at Taco Bell in the five states with outbreaks.
If you want to be extra careful, cooking fresh produce to 158°F kills Cyclospora, the parasite that causes the illness.
- You could also choose fruits and vegetables with outer leaves that can be removed before eating, the state health department says.
- For people with weakened immune systems, King County officials said it's reasonable to avoid foods previously linked to Cyclospora, including "bagged salads, raspberries and packaged fresh herbs."