Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 10
CDC Reports 843 Cyclosporiasis Cases in 31 States as Michigan Count Reaches 1,562
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 10

CDC Reports 843 Cyclosporiasis Cases in 31 States as Michigan Count Reaches 1,562

3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 10

Summary

  • 843 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported to the CDC by 31 states since May 1, with the agency saying additional state reports mean the federal tally likely understates the outbreak.
  • More than 1,500 other cases are still under review to confirm they were acquired domestically, and investigators have not yet identified the source of several outbreaks.
  • Michigan reported 1,562 cases Friday, far above the CDC’s confirmed count for the state, while New York City identified 372 cases and Ohio reported 177 as of July 2.
  • Cyclospora tracking was removed last year from the CDC’s Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network in 10 states, raising concerns that scaled-back monitoring could hinder outbreak detection.
  • The parasite typically spreads through contaminated fresh produce, and the CDC advises handwashing and thorough washing of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk.

Insights

With cases surging across 19 states, why can't health officials pinpoint the contaminated food source?
What makes Michigan and Ohio the epicenters for this parasitic outbreak spreading across the nation?