Cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads across 31 US states: Michigan reports over 1,000 cases as CDC warns of explosive diarrhoea linked to parasite in contaminated food and water

Cyclosporiasis outbreak: A growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, has now been reported across 31 US states, with Michigan emerging as the worst-hit state. Health officials said the infection, which spreads through contaminated food and water, is causing severe diarrhoea and has already led to dozens of hospitalisations.

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While no deaths have been reported, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the number of infections could continue to rise as hundreds of suspected cases are still under investigation.

Michigan reports more than 1,000 cases

Michigan has recorded the highest number of cyclosporiasis cases in the country, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed within a two-week period, prompting state health officials to issue food safety advisories to restaurants, commercial kitchens and food handlers.

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Authorities have urged businesses to thoroughly wash leafy greens, remove the outer leaves of lettuce and green onions, and cook foods like raspberries where possible. However, officials note that these measures have not been medically proven to completely eliminate the parasite.

CDC confirms hundreds of cases, more under review

According to data released by the CDC, there were 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis between May 1 and July 9.

However, the agency said it is also reviewing more than 1,500 reported illnesses that require further analysis before they can be officially confirmed as cyclosporiasis.

So far:

• 31 US states have reported infections.
• 86 people have been hospitalised.
• No deaths have been reported.

Health officials say investigations are ongoing to determine whether the infections are linked to a common food source.

Other states reporting high numbers

After Michigan, New York has reported nearly 300 cases, according to state health officials. Other states with significant case counts include:

Ohio: 177 cases
Illinois: 141 cases

Illinois officials described this year's numbers as "higher-than-average," suggesting the state is seeing an unusually large outbreak compared with previous years.

What is cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

People usually become infected after eating fresh produce or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Because the organism is microscopic, it cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Unlike some foodborne illnesses, cyclosporiasis does not usually spread directly from one person to another. Instead, infections are typically linked to contaminated food or water.

Symptoms can last for weeks

Not everyone infected with Cyclospora develops symptoms, but when illness occurs, diarrhoea is the most common sign.

The CDC says people with cyclosporiasis may experience:

• Frequent, watery diarrhoea
• "Frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements"
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

If left untreated, symptoms may continue for several days to more than a month. Some people may feel better temporarily before symptoms return.

How can you reduce the risk?

Since the outbreak appears to be linked to contaminated food and water, health officials recommend following good food safety practices.

These include:

• Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
• Drinking safe, clean water.
• Following food hygiene guidelines while preparing meals.
• Restaurants and commercial kitchens should carefully clean fresh produce before serving it.

Although washing produce is recommended, experts caution that it may not completely remove the parasite, which is why investigations are continuing to identify the exact source of the outbreak.