Topline
Cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness known to cause diarrhea, are surging in Michigan, with over 700 new cases reported on Tuesday alone. The total number of cases in the state now exceeds 3,300, alarming health officials.
Key Facts
Michigan, currently the state with the highest number of cases, reported a total of 3,309 cases of cyclosporiasis as of Tuesday. Notably, 44 individuals have been hospitalized, marking an increase of nearly 700 cases since Monday, when the count was at 2,640.
The case count in Michigan has more than doubled since Friday, when it stood at 1,562.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 843 confirmed cases across the U.S. as of Thursday, with an additional 1,500 cases pending further investigation to confirm their origins.
Areas in Michigan most affected include Monroe County and Wayne County, which encompasses Detroit.
Ohio has recorded 434 cases since July 1, including 28 hospitalizations, while New York has noted 470 cases as of Friday.
What is the source of the outbreak?
Health officials in Michigan are still investigating the cause of this outbreak. Preliminary findings suggest that “lettuce or salad greens” could be the source, but other foods are also being considered. Michigan’s chief medical executive, Natasha Bagdasarian, emphasized that no definitive product has been identified yet. The CDC is collaborating with state and federal partners in this investigation but hasn’t pinpointed the source either.
Outbreak Comes After CDC Loosened Monitoring Of Cyclospora
This spike in cases follows a decision by the CDC to ease its monitoring of cyclospora, removing it from the list of pathogens that need surveillance under its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network. While ten states participate in this program, Michigan and Ohio are not included. A CDC spokesperson explained that the focus would shift to Salmonella and E. coli to prioritize core activities. Some experts have raised concerns that this reduction in surveillance might hinder the ability to track increases in foodborne illness cases.
What Is Cyclosporiasis—And How Does It Spread?
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite. Infection typically occurs through eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and it doesn’t spread directly from person to person. Symptoms can take weeks to manifest, with diarrhea being the primary symptom—often described as watery or sometimes explosive. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, and increased gas. To minimize the risk of infection, experts suggest practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands prior to food preparation and rinsing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
