Nearly 1,000 cases confirmed in Michigan as explosive diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak intensifies across US
Health officials advise food handlers to wash all items thoroughly under running water and cook greens, herbs, and berries whenever possible to kill the parasite.
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Reported cases of cyclosporiasis are climbing sharply across the country, with the state of Michigan already reaching nearly 1,000 confirmed cases as of July 8.
Meanwhile, the national baseline sat at just 145 cases between May 1 and June 16, highlighting the explosive speed of the local outbreak.
Oocyst of C. cayetanensis.
(CDC)
The rather disturbing parasite, Cyclospora, is the culprit behind this intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis.
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The infection commonly triggers watery diarrhea along with other severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, pain, bloating, and increased gas.
Cyclosporiasis vector icon set. Medical icons.
(Alexander Ryabintsev / Getty Images)
Michigan in particular has been on a rapid rise in cases, specifically Southeast Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has a dedicated outbreak webpage to track the crisis, with official data showing 992 cases confirmed for the state.
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Technician holding a specimen container with stool sample for cyclospora test, to diagnosis of cyclosporiasis by examining under a microscope and finding oocysts.
(Md Babul Hosen / Getty Images)
As the cases climb, the critical question still remains: Where is it coming from?
While Cyclospora is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, the U.S. faces domestic foodborne outbreaks almost every year, typically driven by imported fresh produce.
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Strikingly, none of the initial 145 patients sickened in the multi-state wave reported traveling outside the country.
Woman holding her stomach in pain, suffering from period cramps or stomach ache at home
(Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images)
Within the U.S., the CDC has linked previous seasonal outbreaks to imported produce including:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Mesclun lettuce
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
Traceback investigations are actively being conducted regarding this year's massive spike.
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Additionally, MDHHS is advising restaurants, commercial kitchens, and other entities preparing or serving raw produce in Southeast Michigan to select whole produce over pre-washed bagged mixes.
Close up of woman's hands holding a colander full of fresh vegetables under running water in kitchen sink
(fcafotodigital / Getty Images)
Food handlers should wash all items thoroughly under running water and cook greens, herbs, and berries whenever possible to kill the parasite.
The CDC officially considers May 1 through August 31 to be peak cyclosporiasis season, as case counts naturally swell during the spring and summer months.