Cyclospora cases have been reported in several states. What to know about the diarrhea-causing parasite.
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a cyclospora parasitic infection, marking the state's largest outbreak and one of the largest in the U.S. in recent years, with no deaths reported so far.
- The source of the outbreak remains unidentified, with investigations ongoing in Michigan and 28 other states, including Ohio, where hundreds of cases have also been reported near the Michigan border.
- Cyclospora causes watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, spreading through fecally contaminated food or water, often linked to fresh produce such as salad mixes, cilantro, and basil.
- The outbreak is challenging to trace due to the parasite's biology and food distribution complexities; however, Michigan health officials advise buying whole heads of lettuce instead of prewashed bagged salads and recommend cooking vegetables when possible.
- The FDA and CDC are actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with state partners to investigate and respond, while emphasizing that cyclospora infections are not typically life-threatening and do not spread person to person.
