Michigan health officials are reporting a sharp rise in the state’s cyclosporiasis outbreak, with confirmed and suspected illnesses now topping 1,500 cases.
As of July 10, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it had received 1,562 reports since June 22. Officials also reported that 44 people have been hospitalized.
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Some patients may also develop body aches, headaches or vomiting.
The gastrointestinal outbreak was first identified in late June, when the Monroe County Health Department announced it was looking into a cluster of related cases.
While most illnesses have been reported in Southeast Michigan, multiple cases have also been identified in Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Shiawassee, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. By July 9, cases had been confirmed across 40 counties, with Monroe County reporting the highest total at 215.
The number is far above Michigan’s typical annual count. MDHHS says the state usually averages about 50 cases of cyclosporiasis each year.
The outbreak is not limited to Michigan. The CDC says at least 31 states have reported cases since early May, including Illinois, New York, and Texas.
MDHHS has also created a cyclosporiasis outbreak webpage, where updated case counts are posted daily by 11 a.m. ET. The department said it will provide hospitalization updates and more detailed outbreak data each Thursday.
What’s causing the outbreak?
Health officials are still working to determine the cause or causes of the recent burst in cases, whether that be a supplier, grower or type of produce.
According to MDHHS, previous outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada were linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions.
Considering the trends, state health officials recommend that restaurants and commercial kitchens in Southeast Michigan take additional precautions with fresh produce, including washing it under clean running water and cooking it when possible.
Tips to prevent cyclosporiasis
Health officials shared the following tips for avoiding the illness:
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, under running water, before cutting, cooking or eating.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a produce brush when cleaning.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas of produce before preparing and eating.
- Refrigerate any cut, peeled or cooked produce within two hours of preparing it.
Paula Wethington
contributed to this report.
