MDHHS investigating ‘sudden and large increase’ of Cyclospora infections in Michigan
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LANSING, Mich. (News 10) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is investigating a ‘sudden and large increase’ of cyclospora infections, also known as cyclosporiasis, across numerous counties in Michigan.
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayatenensis which MDHHS says is commonly found in developing countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces.
The health department says Michigan typically only identifies about 50 cases each year, however MDHHS told News 10 Wednesday that more than 170 cases of cyclosporiasis have been identified since Monday, June 22 in the following counties:
Jackson County
Lenawee County
Livingston County
Monroe County
Shiawassee County
Washtenaw County
Wayne County
The symptoms typically appear between two days and two weeks from exposure and include:
Frequent watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Abdominal cramps/bloating
Nausea
Low grade fever
Health leaders say anyone with these symptoms should see a healthcare provider. Cyclospora infections can be treated with antibiotics but anyone with the infection is also encouraged to hydrate well.
To prevent contracting the illness, wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a clean produce brush, cut away damaged or bruised areas of fruits before eating and refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits within two hours.
MDHHS says outbreaks in the U.S. in recent years have occurred as a result of people eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months.
MDHHS(wilx)
The update from MDHHS comes just one day after the Shiawassee County Health Department announced multiple cases detected in the county.
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