Health officials in Wayne County are investigating 27 suspected cases of cyclosporiasis as part of the expanding Michigan Cyclospora outbreak, which has now affected more than 300 residents statewide. Authorities have not yet identified the contaminated food or water source responsible for the infections.
Multi-County Investigation Underway
Public health agencies are continuing a coordinated investigation into the Michigan Cyclospora outbreak. Wayne County Public Health is working alongside state health and agriculture officials, as well as neighboring local health departments, to determine where the parasite originated and how it spread.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected after consuming food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Unlike many infectious diseases, it generally does not spread directly between people.
Investigators have identified contaminated salads, herbs, or berries in past U. S. outbreaks.
Symptoms May Not Appear Immediately
Investigators face another challenge with the Michigan Cyclospora outbreak: Symptoms take time to develop. Most patients won’t start feeling sick for about one week. Symptoms can take as little as two days or as long as two weeks to develop.
If you’re infected with Cyclospora, you may experience:
* Watery diarrhea
* Abdominal pain or cramps
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea
* Fatigue
* Low-grade fever
The illness can last for weeks if patients don’t receive proper treatment. Symptoms may go away and return during the infection. Healthcare providers typically prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
What Michigan Residents Can Do to Protect Themselves
Until officials determine the cause of this outbreak, the CDC recommends practicing food safety by:
* Washing your hands before handling food or eating.
* Washing fresh produce under running water before eating.
* Scrubbing firm produce with a clean produce brush.
* Discarding damaged or bruised areas on produce.
* Refrigerating cut produce promptly.
* Calling your healthcare provider if you have severe or prolonged diarrhea or signs of dehydration.
Investigation Continues
No particular food or grower has been linked to the outbreak in Michigan yet. The state’s investigation is ongoing at this time. “It’s also possible that because we’ve alerted the public, more people with symptoms are getting tested,” they said.
