Wayne County health officials are monitoring 27 potential cyclosporiasis cases tied to a southeast Michigan outbreak that has sickened more than 300 people statewide.
Investigators still have not identified the source, though cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and usually spreads through contaminated food or water rather than person-to-person contact.
Fresh produce is a common U.S. outbreak source, and Michigan officials said part of the recent rise in reported cases may reflect increased awareness as symptoms can take 2 to 14 days to appear.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever; untreated illness can last days to more than a month, though most infections respond to prescription antibiotics.
Wayne County is working with state health, agriculture and local agencies while urging residents to wash hands, rinse produce and seek care for severe or persistent diarrhea.