Michigan investigates outbreak of cyclosporiasis with over 170 cases reported

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said more than 170 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in the state, a sharp rise from the typical 50 cases per year. The majority of cases were identified in Monroe (70), Lenawee (33), Washtenaw (21), Wayne (12), Shiawassee (7), Jackson (7) and Livingston counties, with additional cases reported in 11 other counties, including Detroit.

Patients range in age from 8 to 84, with a median age of 41, according to MDHHS data. Health officials are working to identify a common exposure source for the outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora, which affects the small intestine and is diagnosed through stool testing. Symptoms can include watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea that may persist for days to weeks and can recur. The incubation period typically spans about a week, but can vary from two days to two weeks or longer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the parasite is usually transmitted through consumption of food or water contaminated with feces, and that person-to-person spread is unlikely because the organism requires one to two weeks outside the body to become infectious. Prevention measures include washing hands with soap and water before and after handling raw produce, thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, and removing damaged or bruised portions before preparation.

Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis is advised to seek medical care for diagnosis and treatment.