State health officials reported Friday that Michigan has recorded 5,002 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis since June 22, a rapid increase that has public-health authorities urging caution about prepackaged lettuce and salad kits while federal investigators work to identify the source.
What officials are tracking
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said the case total rose from 4,312 on July 16 to 5,002 on July 17. Of those, 102 people have been hospitalized for complications tied to the intestinal parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. Illnesses remain concentrated in several counties, with the highest numbers reported in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland and Livingston counties.
“Anyone experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and ongoing diarrhea, should contact their health care provider and their local health department,” MDHHS said in a statement.
How Cyclospora affects people
Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, fatigue, stomach cramps, nausea and loss of appetite. The usual incubation period is about a week but can range from two days to more than two weeks. Without appropriate treatment, symptoms can last from days to more than a month and may relapse.
Health-care providers diagnose the infection by testing stool samples. Officials noted people can be infected more than once and urged anyone who develops persistent gastrointestinal symptoms to consult a medical provider and local health department.
Investigations and food safety guidance
Federal investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are examining Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce as a potential source of the outbreak, though no single confirmed source has been publicly announced. The CDC has identified cases in 34 states and expects illnesses to continue rising through the typical Cyclospora season, which runs into late August.
- Do not eat prepackaged lettuce or salad kits if you believe they may be linked to your illness.
- Contact your health-care provider if you have prolonged or severe diarrhea, especially if it is watery and ongoing.
- Report suspected cases to your local health department to help investigators trace the source.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. have historically been associated with fresh produce. Investigators use patient interviews, product traceback and laboratory testing to try to narrow the source. MDHHS and local health departments continue to work with federal partners to trace exposures.
| Metric | Number / Date |
|---|---|
| Total cases reported in Michigan | 5,002 (reported July 17) |
| Hospitalizations | 102 (as of July 17) |
| Reporting period | Since June 22 |
As the investigation continues, residents should follow public-health guidance and monitor updates from MDHHS and the CDC. Local health departments can provide information on reporting procedures and testing resources in individual counties.
This developing situation has implications for food safety practices and health-care providers across Michigan, particularly in counties seeing the most cases. I will continue to follow updates from state and federal health agencies and report new information as it becomes available.
