Michigan reports 572 cyclosporiasis cases as outbreak spikes

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis climbed to 572 on July 4, up from 170 on June 30, marking a more than three-fold increase in a week. The highest numbers are in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland and Livingston counties.

The state health agency said investigators have not yet linked the outbreak to a specific produce supplier or type of food. Cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, typically results in about 50 cases annually in Michigan.

"Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite," the MDHHS explained.

Past outbreaks have been associated with bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions. To reduce risk, the department advised restaurants and commercial kitchens to purchase whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed mixes, discard outer leaves, and wash inner leaves under running water, or cook leafy greens when possible. Similar washing and cooking recommendations were given for cilantro, basil, green onions, raspberries, and snow peas.

Symptoms can appear 2 to 12 days after exposure and include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and low-grade fever. The agency noted the infection is not known to spread person-to-person and urged anyone with symptoms to contact a health care provider and follow standard food-safety practices such as thorough washing of produce and proper refrigeration.