Midwest sees surge in Cyclospora infections linked to fresh produce
Health officials report over 300 cases of cyclosporiasis across the United States, with a sharp increase in Michigan, and advise thorough washing of fruits and vegetables to curb the outbreak.
Health authorities have confirmed a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes severe watery diarrhea, across the Midwest and other parts of the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 190 cases as of mid-June, including 145 domestically acquired infections, while Michigan reported more than 170 cases in nine days across seven counties.
"Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for Michigan Health and Human Services. "Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported."
The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infected stool. It is most often associated with fresh produce such as raspberries, snow peas, mixed greens, basil and cilantro, which are difficult to clean thoroughly. The pathogen does not spread from person to person.
"Some of the common things that have been implicated in the past are certain herbs like garlic, cilantro, probably because it’s harder to clean those," noted Dr. Sharon Welbel, chair of infectious diseases for Cook County Health. "Berries, particularly raspberries, again harder to clean them because they’re so fragile, as well as mixed greens."
Officials urged residents to follow standard food-safety practices, including washing hands before handling food, rinsing all produce under running water, scrubbing firm items with a brush, removing damaged portions, and refrigerating cut or cooked items promptly. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development emphasized the importance of these steps while investigations continue to identify the outbreak source.
Symptoms typically appear days to weeks after exposure and include explosive diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, loss of appetite and fatigue; they can persist for weeks without treatment. Hospitalizations have been reported, but no deaths have occurred.
Public health agencies at the local, state and federal levels are actively investigating multiple clusters, and the true number of cases is believed to exceed reported figures.