Food-borne illness cases spike as Michigan declares outbreak

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

Cases of cyclosporiasis, a food-borne illness, are skyrocketing in Michigan as the state declares it an outbreak.

In a typical year, Michigan only identifies around 50 cyclosporiasis cases. In the past week though, cases have quickly risen to 700.

This isn’t just an issue in Michigan though. Illinois is also reporting a “higher-than-average number of reported cases.”

“Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive. “Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported.”

Cases have been largely centered on Southeast Michigan with Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland and Livingston counties seeing the largest increase in cases.

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection commonly found in developing countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces. In the U.S., this means outbreaks generally occur as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce – not person-to-person.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are working together to try to determine the cause of this outbreak.

“No specific produce grower/supplier, or specific produce type has been identified as the source of the outbreak,” MDHHS said July 4.

Michiganders are encouraged to contact a medical provider if they begin experiencing symptoms, as untreated cases can last a month or longer.

“We recommend Michiganders contact their health care provider if they experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea and reach out to their local health department if additional members of their family are suffering from the same symptoms,” Bagdasarian said.

Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis generally occur two to 14 days after exposure and include cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and more.

Previous outbreaks have been centered about the following produce:

• Bagged salad mixes and kits

• Fresh cilantro

• Fresh basil

• Raspberries

• Snow peas

• Green onions

Authorities recommend carefully washing and cooking these items until a cause of the outbreak is determined.