Ohio reports 75% drop in new cyclosporiasis cases amid nationwide outbreak
Ohio recorded 70 new cyclosporiasis infections this week, a 75% decline from the previous week, as the nation’s largest outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to wane.
The Ohio Department of Health said 70 new cases of cyclosporiasis were reported for the week of Sept. 4-10, down 75% from 279 the week before. The decline follows a series of weekly drops after a peak in late August, bringing the state’s total to 6,412 cases across 85 counties since the outbreak began in June.
Ohio and neighboring Michigan remain the hardest-hit states. Michigan’s health department reported 14,718 cases, including the first two deaths linked to the outbreak. > "The outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has caused over 10,000 cases in 17 states," the agency noted.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 19,595 laboratory-verified cases in 49 states and Washington, D.C., since May 1, though its figures lag state reports because of verification delays. The outbreak’s primary source has been traced to iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and distributed by a major producer, but investigators say additional clusters may have separate origins.
Cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, produces watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramping and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis requires stool-sample testing, and the CDC advises consumers to practice safe handling of fresh produce to reduce risk.