Michigan cyclosporiasis – More than 150 people have been sickened in a cyclosporiasis outbreak across southeastern Michigan, with cases reported across multiple counties since a first identification on June 22. Health officials are investigating a still-unidentified common exposure as
By the time the first week turned. the numbers had started to feel less like “a few cases” and more like a pattern. In southeastern Michigan. more than 150 people have been sickened in an outbreak of cyclosporiasis. a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite health officials describe as cyclospora cayatenensis.
The first case was identified June 22. In the eight days since, dozens of additional cases were found across Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson counties, according to Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Sutfin said the MDHHS is working with local health departments in southeastern Michigan to investigate what she called a “sudden and large increase” in cyclospora cases and to identify a common exposure. She said the department is coordinating a multi-jurisdictional investigation, including case interviews. At this time, the source or sources have not yet been identified.
For families, the symptoms described in public health guidance can be abrupt and disruptive. Cyclosporiasis spreads when people eat or drink food or beverages contaminated by feces containing the microscopic parasite, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Once the parasite infects the small intestine, it can cause watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.
Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps and bloating, nausea, low-grade fever, and vomiting, which the CDC notes is less common than other symptoms.
Treatment is available, but the timeline can be punishing. The CDC says cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, the illness can last days to months and recur and relapse.
The MDHHS has issued a health alert to medical providers about the outbreak. and it is sharing details of its investigation with both the CDC and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Sutfin urged people facing sudden gastrointestinal illness to contact a health care provider and said those experiencing diarrheal illness or vomiting should hydrate. particularly during the high temperatures expected this week.
The investigation is unfolding as officials track where cases are clustering. In Monroe County. the county health department said it was aware of 67 cases within its boundaries on Tuesday. June 30. and that more “continue to be reported.” Of the 67 known Monroe County cases. 14 people have been hospitalized. said Breauna Dungey. director of personal health for the county health department. Dungey said investigations are underway to identify a potential common exposure or source.
The parasite itself is not new to public health—cyclospora cayatenensis is commonly found in developing countries—but in recent years. outbreaks have occurred in the United States when people eat contaminated fresh produce. especially during summer months. Sutfin said. Michigan typically identifies 50 cases of cyclosporiasis a year. making the current jump in southeastern Michigan stand out sharply to health officials.
Even as investigators work to pinpoint the exposure. Monroe County health leaders urged residents to take steps that can reduce the risk of contamination: avoid any food or water that may be contaminated with feces; wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating. cutting or cooking; scrub fruits and vegetables such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush; cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing and eating; and refrigerate cut. peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible. within two hours.
Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak cyclospora cayetanensis CDC MDHHS Monroe County gastrointestinal illness diarrhea outbreak fresh produce public health alert
This is why I don’t trust “fresh” salad anymore. 150+ is wild.
Wait so they still don’t know what caused it? That’s crazy. Sounds like it came from some restaurant chain or water but they’re just gonna keep saying “investigating.”
My cousin said it’s from the sewage backups in Wayne County or whatever, like it’s always something gross like that. But idk, the article says feces contamination which is… yeah. Hope they figure it out fast because my stomach already hates the summer.
150 cases and they’re still searching for the “common exposure”?? Seems like too slow. If it’s a parasite, wouldn’t regular handwashing prevent it, like at least partially? Also why does Michigan get these things every year, first one outbreak then another, it never ends.