Surge in Cyclosporiasis Cases in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reported a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases, with numbers rising from 170 to 572 within a week, as of July 4. The outbreak is most prevalent in counties such as Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston.

As of now, health officials have not pinpointed any particular grower, supplier, or type of produce responsible for this spike in cases, according to the MDHHS.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, and Michigan typically sees about 50 cases annually. Past outbreaks have been associated with various foods, including:

• Bagged salad mixes and kits
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh basil
• Raspberries
• Snow peas
• Green onions

The MDHHS is advising restaurants and commercial kitchens to take specific precautions to help prevent further spread:

• For lettuce and leafy greens, it’s better to purchase whole heads rather than prewashed, bagged options. Discard the outer layers and thoroughly wash the inner leaves. Cooking these greens is the safest choice.
• When handling cilantro and basil, it’s important to wash them well under running water, separating the leaves. Cooking them also reduces risk.
• For green onions, trim the roots, remove the outer layer, and wash under running water. Again, cooking them is the safest method.
• Raspberries can be challenging to clean due to their textured surface, so it’s safer to cook them in pies or jams. Frozen raspberries might serve as a safer alternative.
• Snow peas should be washed under running water and rubbed to remove contaminants; cooking is the best way to ensure safety.

Symptoms of cyclospora infection typically develop between 2 to 12 days after exposure and may include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Abdominal cramps and bloating
• Nausea (vomiting is less common)
• Low-grade fever

To minimize the risk of contracting the illness, it is recommended to:

• Avoid consuming potentially contaminated food or water.
• Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before consumption, cutting, or cooking.
• Use a clean produce brush for firm fruits and vegetables.
• Remove any damaged areas before preparation and eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked items as soon as possible.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, reaching out to a local healthcare provider is advised.

For more details about Cyclosporiasis, refer to resources from the CDC.