Additional Coverage:
Health officials in Michigan are sounding the alarm over a significant and expanding outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection. As of Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed over 300 cases, a stark increase compared to the state’s typical annual count of about 50.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that spreads primarily through food or water contaminated with fecal matter, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The current outbreak is part of a broader national issue, with the CDC reporting 145 cases across 17 states outside Michigan, including at least 20 hospitalizations as of mid-June.
Lynn Sutfin, MDHHS public information officer, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are working closely with our state and local partners to identify the source of this outbreak that is making so many people ill as quickly as possible.”
Investigations by the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, and various state and local agencies are underway to pinpoint the contaminated food sources. Historically, cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. were often linked to imported produce such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro.
However, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, noted a shift: “Now we’re starting to have more domestic cases as well.”
The infection typically manifests within one week of exposure, although symptoms can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. While some individuals remain asymptomatic, those affected often experience severe watery diarrhea, accompanied by cramping, bloating, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Dr. Zoe Weiss, director of clinical microbiology at Tufts Medical Center, described the hallmark symptom as “explosive watery diarrhea.”
Though most cases cause discomfort rather than severe illness, officials express concern for immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing cancer treatment or organ transplants, who may face more serious complications.
Transmission between people is considered unlikely because the parasite requires time outside the body to become infectious after being passed in stool. Nevertheless, experts urge anyone experiencing persistent watery diarrhea, especially in affected areas, to seek medical evaluation promptly. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.
Cyclosporiasis is treated with a 10-day course of the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly known by brand names such as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim.
Prevention measures include thoroughly washing fresh produce, discarding bruised or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables, and keeping pre-cut or prepared produce refrigerated.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to control the outbreak and protect public health.