Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads to over 9,600 cases, officials say

Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak has surged to over 9,600 reported cases, with Health officials identifying 160 hospitalizations as of July 23. The parasite-related illness, caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, has spread to 70 counties across the state, with Southeast Michigan bearing the heaviest burden.

Key symptoms and prevention tips

The most common symptoms associated with cyclosporiasis include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue. In some cases, people may also experience body aches, headaches or vomiting. To prevent the illness, residents are advised to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables under running water, scrub firm produce with a produce brush, cut away any bruised areas, and refrigerate cut produce within two hours.

Initially detected in Monroe County in late June, the outbreak has rapidly expanded, with Wayne County alone reporting over 1,000 cases. Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Lenawee, Oakland, Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties have all seen more than 300 cases each, far surpassing the usual annual tally of around 50 cases in Michigan.