Ionia County Confirms Local Cases
The Ionia County Health Department has confirmed six cases of cyclosporiasis in the region and is investigating two additional suspected cases. The illness is caused by a parasite and is most often linked to contaminated food or water.
Statewide Numbers Rise Sharply
Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, said the statewide increase has been significant. As of July 7, Michigan had reported more than 700 cases, compared with more than 170 cases on July 1.
A Different Kind of Outbreak
Bagdasarian said this outbreak differs from recent public health events such as COVID-19 or the increase in measles cases. “This is definitely something different because this is not a pathogen that typically is transmitted person to person. This is something where there have been large outbreaks in the past, but they have typically been food-associated outbreaks,” she said.
Tracing the Source Is Difficult
Health officials face a major challenge in identifying the source of the outbreak. Bagdasarian explained that investigators must interview hundreds of people about what they ate, often going back several weeks. “That means that all 700 cases have to be interviewed, and not just about the food they consumed yesterday. We’re talking about food they consumed two weeks ago in many cases. So it’s very hard to actually pinpoint exactly what people ate that long ago,” she said.
What Causes Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, an infectious parasite that is usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces. Health officials say it does not usually spread directly from person to person.
Fresh Produce Has Been Linked to Outbreaks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked past U.S. foodborne outbreaks to several types of fresh produce, including basil, cilantro and raspberries. Investigators have not yet identified a specific source in the current Michigan outbreak.
Symptoms to Watch For
Some people infected with Cyclospora may not develop symptoms. Those who do may experience watery diarrhea with frequent bowel movements, along with loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
When to Seek Medical Care
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Diagnosis requires a stool sample, and treatment is available with antibiotics.
Food Safety Guidance
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Firm produce should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush, and damaged or bruised areas should be removed before preparation.
Refrigeration Also Matters
Health officials also advise refrigerating any cut, peeled or cooked produce as soon as possible. These steps can help reduce the risk of exposure while the investigation into the outbreak continues.
