US sees sharp rise in cyclosporiasis cases across 31 states
More than 3,100 cases of the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis have been reported in 31 states since May, with Michigan experiencing a surge far above its annual average.
Public health officials report a notable increase in cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes watery diarrhea, across the United States. As of July 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded over 3,100 cases in 31 states, with at least 86 hospitalizations. The CDC notes that the true number of infections is likely higher because some individuals recover without seeking medical care.
Michigan has reported 1,562 cases since the end of June, roughly 25 times its typical annual total, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Ohio, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Colorado, Indiana and Texas have also documented significant case counts, ranging from 48 to 397 cases each since early May.
The parasite spreads primarily through consumption of food or water contaminated with feces, and fresh produce such as salad greens, berries and herbs has been linked to past outbreaks. While person-to-person transmission is uncommon, the CDC emphasizes that no single source has yet been identified for the current clusters.
"When we started seeing cases of persistent diarrhea showing up, we knew there’s something going on," said Dr. Brian Kaminski, vice president of medical affairs at ProMedica Health System.
"The current hypothesis is that contaminated fresh produce is driving the surge," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for Michigan.
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration continue to monitor the situation but have not confirmed a multistate outbreak. Health officials advise anyone experiencing sudden, severe gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical care, as the infection can be treated with a specific antibiotic regimen. Preventive measures include thorough cooking of foods to at least 158 °F (70 °C) and avoiding potentially contaminated water.
Cyclosporiasis typically peaks from May through August, and while it is rarely life-threatening, it can cause prolonged illness, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.