Updated

Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jun 30

Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens 150-Plus in 7 Counties as Source Remains Unknown

Updated

Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jun 30

Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens 150-Plus in 7 Counties as Source Remains Unknown

Q: With over 150 sick, what is the hidden source of the parasite that even washing can't remove?

The source has not yet been identified. Michigan health officials say the outbreak’s common exposure remains under investigation, so there is no confirmed food, drink, farm, or supplier tied to the more than 150 illnesses. What investigators do know is that the parasite is *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, which is usually spread through food or water contaminated with human feces. In U.S. outbreaks, the hidden source is often contaminated fresh produce, especially summer items such as leafy greens, herbs, berries, or salad ingredients. Past outbreaks have been linked to cilantro, basil, parsley, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, snow peas, and bagged salad mixes. The reason washing may not fully solve the problem is that *Cyclospora* can cling to produce and is not reliably removed by routine rinsing. It is also resistant to standard chlorine wash treatments used in food handling. Washing under running water is still recommended because it can reduce contamination, but it may not eliminate the parasite completely. That is why investigators are focusing on a shared food exposure rather than person-to-person spread, which is considered unlikely because the parasite needs time in the environment to become infectious. Anyone with sudden watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, bloating, or low-grade fever should seek medical care and ask about stool testing, because the illness can last for weeks or months but is treatable with antibiotics.

2 articles · Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jun 30

More than 150 people in southeastern Michigan have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis since June 22, in a fast-growing outbreak spanning Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson counties.
State health officials said they still have not identified a common exposure, and are coordinating case interviews with local health departments while sharing findings with the CDC and Michigan agriculture officials.
Monroe County alone has reported 67 cases, including 14 hospitalizations, with local officials warning that additional infections continue to be reported.
Cyclospora infections typically spread through food or drink contaminated with feces, often fresh produce in summer outbreaks; Michigan usually records about 50 cases in an entire year.

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Detroit Free Press1d ago

Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: Over 150 Sickened in 7 Counties, Source Undetermined

Facebook1d ago

Michigan health officials are investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak after more than 150 cases were reported across Southeast Michigan since June 22. Link to full article in comments.

Why has this Michigan outbreak suddenly become three times larger than the state's annual average?

What makes this microscopic parasite so difficult for health officials to trace and control?

With over 150 sick, what is the hidden source of the parasite that even washing can't remove?

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2 total

Detroit Free Press1d ago

Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: Over 150 Sickened in 7 Counties, Source Undetermined

Facebook1d ago

Michigan health officials are investigating a cyclosporiasis outbreak after more than 150 cases were reported across Southeast Michigan since June 22. Link to full article in comments.

Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens 150-Plus in 7 Counties as Source Remains Unknown

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