Michigan nears 1,000 confirmed cases in Cyclospora outbreak

Michigan health authorities said that 992 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in the state as of July 8, bringing the total close to 1,000. The outbreak is part of a broader increase in Cyclospora infections across the United States, where the national baseline was 145 cases between May 1 and June 16.

Cyclospora, a parasite that causes watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating and gas, is typically associated with tropical regions but U.S. outbreaks often stem from contaminated imported fresh produce. Early cases in the current multi-state wave did not involve recent international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has previously linked Cyclospora outbreaks to items such as basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries and snow peas. State investigators are conducting traceback studies to identify the source of this year’s surge.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urged restaurants, commercial kitchens and other food-service operations in Southeast Michigan to prefer whole fruits and vegetables over pre-washed bagged mixes, to wash produce thoroughly under running water and to cook greens, herbs and berries when possible to reduce the risk of infection.