An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, has sickened more than 150 people in southeastern Michigan. The first case was identified June 22, with infections spreading rapidly across Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee, and Jackson counties. The source of the contamination has not yet been identified.
The illness spreads through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramps, and nausea. It is treatable with antibiotics, but can last for months if untreated.
Monroe County reports 67 cases alone, with 14 hospitalizations. Officials are urging residents to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly and to avoid potentially contaminated food and water.
Michigan typically sees about 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually. This sudden, large increase has triggered a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving state and local health departments and the CDC.