PERRYSBURG, Ohio (WTVG) — Cases of cyclosporiasis continue to climb in Lucas and Wood counties and parts of southeast Michigan, prompting questions among shoppers and vendors at the Perrysburg Farmers Market.Vendor says sales have not droppedJack Silvestri, a vendor at Silvestri Market, said he has been selling fresh produce at farmers markets for more than a decade.“I’ve been doing these markets since I was little, so like over ten years,” Silvestri said.He said he became aware of cyclos...
PERRYSBURG, Ohio (WTVG) — Cases of cyclosporiasis continue to climb in Lucas and Wood counties and parts of southeast Michigan, prompting questions among shoppers and vendors at the Perrysburg Farmers Market.
Vendor says sales have not dropped
Jack Silvestri, a vendor at Silvestri Market, said he has been selling fresh produce at farmers markets for more than a decade.
“I’ve been doing these markets since I was little, so like over ten years,” Silvestri said.
He said he became aware of cyclosporiasis following the recent rise in cases in the area.
“I just heard it’s like an illness through the produce that people are catching at home,” Silvestri said.
Silvestri said he does not have many concerns about the intestinal infection but acknowledged that some of his customers do. He said sales have not dipped since cases began increasing.
“If you want to play it safe just clean your fruit really good,” Silvestri said.
Shoppers split on level of concern
Customers Jim and Debbie Horvath said they have little concern about the outbreak.
“I feel that as long as you’re washing thoroughly and you take the necessary precautions, you’ll be okay,” Jim Horvath said.
Debbie Horvath said she takes steps to clean her produce before eating it.
“I scrub my potatoes. I scrub my cucumbers. I thoroughly rinse my strawberries, peaches,” she said.
Shopper Anna Brown said she is somewhat concerned, particularly about leafy greens.
“I feel like I’m mostly scared about lettuce. I don’t even know if it’s confirmed in all lettuce, but that’s probably my biggest fear on it,” Brown said.
Brown said she has heard similar concerns from others in her circle.
“I’ve heard people I know talk about being scared of eating stuff. I knew other people coming to the Farmers Market today and they were a little skeptical about buying any fruits and vegetables just because of the possibility of that,” Brown said.