Cyclosporiasis cases spike over 700 in Michigan as MDHHS hunts for source
Cyclosporiasis cases on the rise across Michigan
Earlier this week, the Monroe County Health Department said it was investigating several cases of cyclosporiasis among county residents. As of Tuesday, June 30, the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services says more than 170 cases have been reported across southeast Michigan.
(FOX 2) - The number of people sickened by the viral parasitic infection instigating gastrointestinal symptoms in Michigan has climbed to more than 700 cases, the health department confirmed on Tuesday.
In an email from MDHHS Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin, the latest figures are as of 4:30 p.m. on July 6.
Monroe County has the largest concentration of cases, landing them at 173. Washtenaw County is second at 95 and Lenawee County is third with 86 cases.
Cyclosporiasis: The latest
Sutfin said no source has been identified or linked to the outbreak of gastrointestinal-related illnesses, which cause sudden and ongoing diarrhea.
Anyone who is suffering from the symptoms is advised to contact their health care provider or local health department.
County breakdown
- Monroe — 173
- Washtenaw — 95
- Lenawee — 86
- Shiawassee — 62
- Wayne — 58
- Jackson — 36
- Oakland — 33
- Ingham — 21
- Livingston — 21
- Huron — 15
- Sanilac — 11
- Genesee — 9
- Muskegon — 9
- Ionia — 7
- Gratiot — 7
- Detroit City — 6
- Saginaw — 6
- Eaton — 5
- Kalamazoo — 5
- Tuscola — 5
- Clinton — 4
- Lapeer — 4
- Macomb — 4
- Hillsdale — 4
- Allegan — 2
- Montcalm — 2
- Ottawa — 2
- Calhoun — 1
- Charlevoix — 1
- Gladwin — 1
- Kent — 1
- Midland — 1
- Houghton — 1
- Leelanau — 1
- Manistee — 1
What is cyclosporiasis?
Big picture view:
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which experts say is found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.
Outbreaks have occurred in the US as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce in hot weather.
It is not known to spread from person-to-person.
RELATED: CDC investigates parasite outbreak linked to 'explosive' diarrhea across 17 states
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Timeline:
Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
Anyone infected who does not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.
Cyclosporiasis treatment
What you can do:
If you experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea, reach out to your health care provider and your local health department.
Symptoms can be improved with an antibiotic.
The Source: The Michigan health department was cited for this story.