Health officials in the United States are grappling with a significant surge in cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic illness characterized by explosive, watery diarrhea. Michigan has reported nearly 700 cases as of Monday, a dramatic increase from 170 cases six days earlier, and almost 14 times the state's average annual caseload of 50, according to ABC News.
CDC and FDA Investigate Multistate Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on Friday that over 400 cases have been reported across 18 states, and it is collaborating with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the alarming clusters. The CDC noted in a bulletin that the true number of infected individuals is likely higher, as many recover without seeking medical care or testing.
Although cyclosporiasis is rarely life-threatening and no deaths have been reported in the current outbreak, the intestinal illness can cause severe symptoms, including cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and vomiting. The CDC reports that watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements is the most common symptom.
Cause and Transmission
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which spreads through raw produce and water contaminated with human feces. Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh fruit and vegetables, such as a 2022 Florida surge linked to contaminated lettuce in packaged salad kits that sickened hundreds. The average incubation period is about one week, ranging from two days to two weeks, and the disease is not usually transmitted person-to-person.
Michigan and Ohio See Rising Cases
In Michigan, experts anticipate cases will continue to rise as public awareness increases and more people seek testing. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, told ABC, "There is a significant lag time between exposure to contaminated produce or contaminated materials and development of symptoms." She described the 678 cases reported as of Monday as "a moving target."
Ohio has also seen a notable increase, with 177 cases reported as of July 2, including 171 since June 20, according to the state's health department. While officials investigate links between clusters, particularly in southeast Michigan including Detroit, the CDC stated there is no evidence connecting these to outbreaks in other states.
Seasonal Patterns and Prevention
The CDC's most recent update on July 1 reported cases in 17 states with 20 hospitalizations. Summer months typically see a rise, leading to a "cyclosporiasis season" from May 1 to August 31. Health officials recommend cooking fresh produce where possible or thoroughly washing it in clean, running water to reduce infection risk.
