MICHIGAN / Content Syndication Services / – A cyclosporiasis outbreak in Southeast Michigan has reached 992 confirmed cases, state health data showed July 8. The regional total has topped 1,000 when nearby Ohio cases are included. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the source has not been identified.
The outbreak count covers cases reported in Michigan since June 22. The rise has far exceeded the state’s usual annual level of about 50 cases. Health officials first announced more than 170 cases on June 30, then reported 572 cases by July 4.
No deaths have been reported in the Michigan outbreak. About 40 people have required hospital care. Cases remain concentrated in Southeast Michigan, including Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, Ingham and Livingston counties. Lucas County, Ohio, reported 306 cases across the state line.
Outbreak centers on foodborne illness
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says symptoms can include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms may last days to weeks without treatment.
People can become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Health officials have not linked the current Michigan outbreak to any grower, supplier, restaurant or specific produce item. They continue to review reported illnesses with local health departments and food safety partners.
Fresh produce precautions issued
State guidance urges restaurants, commercial kitchens and other food handlers in Southeast Michigan to take added care with raw produce. The advice covers lettuce, leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, raspberries and snow peas. Officials recommend washing produce under running water and cooking vegetables when possible.
For lettuce and leafy greens, officials advise buying whole heads instead of prewashed bagged mixes. They also recommend removing outer leaves before washing inner leaves. People with ongoing diarrhea should contact a health care provider and ask about Cyclospora testing, since routine stool tests may miss the parasite.