Cyclospora cases are rising in multiple states this summer, with health officials tracking investigations in 28 states. In Michigan, the outbreak has reached 992 cases as of Wednesday, making it the state’s largest recorded cyclospora outbreak.
Michigan outbreak grows to 992 confirmed cases
Michigan health officials said Wednesday that 992 people have been diagnosed with cyclospora since June 22. The state also reported about 40 hospitalizations, and officials said no deaths have been reported.
State officials first announced the outbreak last week, when they were aware of more than 170 cases. At that point, the illnesses were all identified in the southeastern corner of Michigan, where the current surge remains the center of the investigation.
Michigan usually identifies about 50 cyclospora cases in a full year, which shows how unusual this spike is. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said there is clearly a linked outbreak happening right now, even though the source has not been found.
Ohio cases add to the regional picture
The outbreak is centered in Michigan, but nearby Ohio is also reporting a significant number of illnesses. Lucas County, Ohio, reported 306 cases as of Wednesday, and officials said northwest Ohio has seen more than 500 cases.
What is confirmed right now is the case count and the cross-border spread near Michigan’s southern edge. What is not yet known is whether the same food item or supplier is responsible for every illness reported in Michigan and Ohio.
Officials have also said investigations are underway in 28 other states. Still, Michigan appears to be the hardest-hit state so far, although Bagdasarian said Michigan’s aggressive case finding and reporting may be part of why the outbreak looks especially concentrated there.
Why the source is still hard to pin down
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause watery diarrhea for weeks, according to federal health officials. The illness is usually treated with antibiotics, and outbreaks tend to happen in late spring and summer.
Investigators have not identified the source in this outbreak, and that is not unusual for cyclospora. Researchers say contaminated produce can be difficult to trace because a single ingredient, such as basil or cilantro, can appear in many meals across restaurants and grocery stores.
Federal officials have also said there is no evidence the parasite has become more infectious. For now, Michigan officials are recommending whole heads of lettuce instead of prewashed bagged lettuce or salad mixes while the investigation continues.
