The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 840 cases of cyclosporiasis, a stomach bug caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora, across 31 states, according to the most recently available data.
The total is likely higher, given the disease’s delayed onset and case counts in highly impacted states. Michigan is worst off with 2,640 cases and 44 related hospitalizations reported by the state’s department of health and human services as of July 13.
Cyclosporiasis is not a new disease, but it’s not especially common. The Gazette spoke to clinical branch supervisor Heather Meador with Linn County Public Health about cyclosporiasis: how you get it, how it’s treated, and how you can keep yourself safe…