Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation's largest in years. No deaths have been reported and the source of the cyclospora infections hasn't been identified. Meanwhile, investigations into similar illnesses have been going on in 28 other states, including in Ohio, where people just across the Michigan border are also becoming sick, the AP reports.
- Michigan officials first announced the outbreak last week, when they were aware of more than 170 cases—all in the southeastern corner of the state—since June 22. Michigan usually identifies only about 50 cases each year.
- On Wednesday, the state reported the number had grown to 992, including about 40 hospitalizations. Just across the state line, Lucas County, Ohio, reported 306 cases as of Wednesday. Northwest Ohio has seen more than 500 cases.
Cyclospora surges can be tricky to investigate, and food poisoning sources can be hard to establish. But "there is clearly a linked outbreak happening right now," Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, told the AP on Wednesday.
- What is cyclospora? Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea "with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements," according to the CDC. The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer. The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water. It's less common than a number of other kinds of foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli. For years, few US cyclospora outbreaks were reported each year. But the number started rising about a decade ago, with a particularly notable spike in 2018 and 2019. Experts attribute the increases to climate change and better detection.
- How does this outbreak compare to previous ones in the US? Comprehensive data on cyclospora outbreaks is lacking. But available information shows only a small number of documented outbreaks in the last 20 years have surpassed 1,000 cases. That short list includes a 1997 outbreak tied to Guatemalan raspberries that sickened more than 1,000 in the US and Canada, and a 2019 outbreak linked to Mexican basil that sickened more than 2,400.
- What's the current situation? Cases seem to be surging in and around southeastern Michigan. But it's not considered a national health emergency. There's no evidence that the parasite has evolved to become more infectious, says Dianna Blau, the CDC's acting parasitic diseases branch chief. Michigan appears to be suffering the worst of it, but the state's aggressiveness in investigating and reporting cases may be "part of the reason why this looks like a Michigan problem," Bagdasarian says.
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How can you protect yourself from cyclospora? People who have diarrhea that hasn't gone away on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of cyclospora, officials say. The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated. Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before being eaten. But be aware that cyclospora can really stick to some foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection. As Michigan officials investigate the potential source, they recommend consumers purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes, and to remove the outer two to three leaves before washing the remaining leaves under running water. They also say to cook vegetables when possible.
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