Parasite Outbreak Sickens 170 Across MI: Health Officials

Michigan health officials are trying to identify the source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened more than 170 people across the state, Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services told Patch Wednesday.

The foodborne parasite illness is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite known as cyclospora cayatenensis. Symptoms can include weeks of diarrhea.

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Officials have identified cases in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson counties since June 22.

They have yet to identify the source or sources of the outbreak, adding Michigan only sees around 50 cyclosporiasis cases a year.

Officials encouraged anyone who gets a sudden gastrointestinal illness to contact a health care provider. They said cyclospora infections can be treated with antibiotics and individuals experiencing diarrheal illness or vomiting are encouraged to hydrate, particularly during the high temperatures expected this week.

The parasite Cyclospora cayatenensis is commonly found in developing countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces.

In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months.

At least 145 people across 17 other states have also been sickened with the virus, according to the CDC.

Other states with reported cases are Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

When Do Symptoms Start?

Symptoms usually begin about a week after someone consumes contaminated food or water, though they can appear as soon as two days or more than two weeks later. Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom.

Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms.

Without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer, and diarrhea may go away and return. The CDC advises people with symptoms to see a healthcare provider, who can test for and treat cyclosporiasis.

How To Prevent It

The CDC said no one fully knows how Cyclospora gets into food and water.

To reduce the risk of illness, the agency recommends:

• Washing hands before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables;
• Washing produce under running water before eating, cutting or cooking;
• Scrubbing firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush;
• Cutting away bruised or damaged areas; and
• Refrigerating cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.