Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spreads Across Multiple States

Hundreds have fallen ill across multiple states due to a microscopic parasite that triggers severe diarrhea and vomiting. Federal and local health officials are actively investigating this multi-state illness surge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this week that at least 145 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis occurred nationwide between May 1 and June 16, leading to at least 20 hospitalizations. However, data from local sources hints at a significantly higher number, with at least 18 states reporting cases.

Michigan: A Major Outbreak Location

Michigan has become a significant hotspot for cyclosporiasis. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed to ABC News over 300 cases as of Thursday. Typically, Michigan records around 50 cases annually.

The outbreak is largely concentrated in Southeast and Southern Michigan. Monroe County has the highest number of infections, with significant clusters reported in counties such as Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee, and Jackson, as well as Detroit city.

“Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have occurred across the United States and now here in Michigan,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, stated. “Given the unusual number of cases identified over a short period, more cases are anticipated.”

Other Affected Areas

In New York, health officials have tracked 107 cases since early May. Newsweek reached out to MDHHS and the CDC for comments.

Understanding Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is an intestinal illness. It spreads via food or water contaminated with infected feces. Symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, and explosive diarrhea can take up to two weeks to manifest.

While healthy individuals often recover without medical help, older adults and other vulnerable populations risk severe or prolonged illness. The infection does not pass directly from person to person.

The CDC notes that a combination antibiotic regimen of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold under brands like Bactrim and Septra, can treat the disease. Officials stress the importance of rest and fluid intake to avoid dehydration from diarrhea.

Case Locations and Investigation

Federal health authorities indicate no evidence links all cases to a single source, suggesting multiple regional clusters may exist. States with the highest concentrations include Michigan, New York, Illinois, and Texas. Other states reporting cases are Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The CDC reports that none of the affected individuals were traveling in the two weeks prior to falling ill. Past outbreaks have linked cyclosporiasis to imported fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro.

The CDC works with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local agencies like the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to trace the origin of these clusters. “MDARD is committed to ensuring food safety across the state and partners with local health departments to identify the outbreak’s source and maintain consumer safety,” stated Jennifer Bonsky, Director of the Human Food Division at MDARD. “In such times, following essential food preparation guidelines, including handwashing before and after food preparation and washing produce before consumption, becomes crucial.”