Michigan reports over 700 cyclosporiasis cases as officials hunt source
More than 700 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis since late June, prompting health officials to investigate contaminated produce as the likely cause.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it has received over 700 reports of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection, since June 22, with 36 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak. Disease investigators are working statewide to trace the source, while Detroit’s health department monitors local cases as numbers continue to rise.
"This is one of the largest we’ve ever had in Michigan," said Dr. Matthew Sims, director of Infectious Diseases Research at Corewell Health. He noted that testing this year has yielded far more positives than the previous year, when none of the 36 tests conducted were positive.
The highest concentrations of cases are in Monroe County (173), Washtenaw County (95) and Lenawee County (86); Wayne County, which includes Detroit, has reported 58 cases, six of them within the city limits. Cases have been identified in at least 35 counties.
Health officials suspect contaminated produce but have not identified a specific fruit, vegetable, grower or supplier. Past outbreaks have been linked to items such as bagged lettuce, basil and raspberries, which are often consumed raw.
"I would rinse it thoroughly, immerse in water, vinegar," advised Dr. Claudia Richardson, medical director for Detroit’s Health Department, adding that the illness is not spread person-to-person.
Officials recommend seeking medical care if diarrhea persists for more than a day, if dehydration occurs, or if fever or blood appear in stool. Antibiotics are available to treat the infection, and frequent hand washing after handling produce is advised.