Cases of the diarrhea-casing parasite cyclospora are now being reported in more than half of the states in the U.S., with case counts reaching over 3,300 in Michigan.
By 9:30 a.m. ET Tuesday, 3,039 cases of cyclosporiasis had been reported in the state, along with 44 hospitalizations, according to the Michigan Department of Public Health and Human Services. This infection with the parasite can cause loud, watery and explosive diarrhea, per the Cleveland Clinic. It can also cause loss of appetite, bloating, gas, extreme tiredness, low-grade fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Here are the states where cyclospora infections have been reported as of July 9, per the CDC:
These case counts are now likely higher – for example, Michigan was listed as having “161 to 300” cases last week and there were 843 total cases reported nationwide. As of Tuesday, there were 3,309 cases in Michigan alone.
States with more than 161 infections
- Michigan
States with 81 to 160 infections
- New York
States with 31 to 81 infections
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Texas
States with 11 to 30 infections
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
States with one to 11 infections
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
“CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed,” said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the centers, the recent cyclospora outbreak began May 1, and cyclospora outbreaks often occur in the spring and summer months.
Of the 843 cases reported as of last Thursday, all involved people who became sick after eating food in the U.S. and who did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick. People with the infection range from 5 years old to 88 years old, with a median age of 44 and most (59%) were female. The CDC reported 86 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak as of last week and said no deaths had been reported.
Cyclosporiasis spreads when people ingest food or water contaminated by feces. Past cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to basil, bagged salads, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, parsley, raspberries, snow peas and sweet peas. Generally, public health officials recommend thoroughly washing all produce and cooking it if applicable to prevent infection.
“While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out,” said the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in a Monday press release. “No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.”
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, further explained that lettuce is a common product that has regularly come up in the investigation into the outbreak. Some experts have also posited that recent storms and exposure to contaminated stormwater might be a factor in the outbreak. According to the Michigan Department of Public Health and Human Services, recreational water and swimming is not a recognized risk factor, though it does recommend not swallowing recreational water.
USA Today noted that the cyclospora surge comes after budget cuts and firings at the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well federal health officials’ decision to scale back the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network last year. With that change, FoodNet was no longer required to monitor eight of the 10 pathogens it previously did, including cyclospora.
People experiencing frequent, watery diarrhea are encouraged to contact their health care provider and ask specifically for cyclospora testing. Though some people can clear the infection without treatment, antibiotics are recommended. Cyclosporiasis can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. Rest and frequent hydration are recommended for anyone with the illness.
