Cyclosporiasis outbreak surges in Michigan and other US states
8 reported1 unconfirmed
A surge in cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic illness that can cause watery diarrhea, has been reported across the United States, with Michigan experiencing an abnormally large outbreak of almost 1,000 cases. The state typically reports about 50 cases a year, making this the largest outbreak in Michigan’s history and one of the nation’s biggest in recent years. Ohio has also reported a sharp increase, with 177 cases as of July 2. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 145 cases across 17 states as of June 16, with some hospitalizations, but its data lags behind state reporting and is likely a substantial undercount. Health officials say the illness is rarely life-threatening, and no deaths have been linked to the current outbreak, but the source of the infections has not yet been identified.
What’s reported
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic illness that can cause “explosive,” watery diarrhea.
Michigan has reported almost 1,000 cases, making it the largest outbreak in the state’s history.
Michigan typically reports about 50 cases per year.
Ohio reported 177 cases as of July 2.
The CDC recorded 145 cases across 17 states as of June 16, with some hospitalizations.
CDC data lags behind state reporting and is probably a substantial undercount.
No deaths have been linked to the current outbreak.
The source of the infections has not yet been identified.
Open questions
What is the source of the cyclosporiasis infections in the current outbreak?
Key figures
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Sources: The Guardian
