Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spreads Across 35 Counties

Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause severe diarrhea, is spreading across Michigan. Health officials are still trying to determine the source of the outbreak.

What You Need to Know About Cyclosporiasis

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

Cyclosporiasis likely affected people for centuries, but medical researchers did not officially identify it until the late 1970s. Reported cases increased during the 1980s, and by the 1990s, major foodborne outbreaks were occurring across North America, often traced to imported fresh produce, including raspberries.

The intestinal infection occurs when people drink contaminated water or eat raw produce carrying the microscopic parasite. Common symptoms include watery, sometimes explosive, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.

Without treatment with antibiotics, symptoms can persist for weeks or even months. Although deaths are rare, severe cases can cause prolonged dehydration and malnutrition due to persistent watery diarrhea.

Cyclosporiasis Confirmed in 6 People in Ionia County

According to WOOD TV8, Michigan has reported more than 700 cyclosporiasis cases across 35 counties, including Ionia County. The Ionia County Health Department says six cases have been confirmed, with two additional cases believed to be under investigation.

Michigan Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian said the outbreak is unusual because cyclosporiasis is not typically spread from person to person. She noted that while large outbreaks have occurred in the past, they have generally been linked to contaminated food sources.

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Other West Michigan counties with confirmed cases include Allegan County with two cases, Kalamazoo County with five, and Muskegon County with nine. “Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.

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