Wayne County tracks 27 possible cyclosporiasis cases amid Michigan outbreak

Wayne County health officials said they are tracking 27 potential cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness, as the outbreak spreads across southeast Michigan. State health data indicate that more than 300 people have been sickened in multiple counties.

The investigation involves Wayne County Public Health, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and local health departments, which are working to identify the source of the contamination.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is typically transmitted through food or water contaminated with the organism, not through person-to-person contact. In the United States, outbreaks have often been linked to fresh produce. Officials noted that heightened awareness may be contributing to the recent rise in reported cases, and that symptoms can appear one to two weeks after exposure.

Typical symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever. Without treatment, the illness may last from several days to more than a month, and symptoms can recur after temporary improvement. Most infections respond to prescription antibiotics.

Health authorities advise washing hands before handling food, thoroughly rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables, scrubbing firm produce with a clean brush, removing damaged portions, refrigerating cut produce promptly, and seeking medical care for severe or persistent diarrhea.