'Large and growing' parasitic infection outbreak spreading in Michigan, health officials say

Key Points:

• Michigan is experiencing a "large and growing" outbreak of cyclosporiasis, with over 300 confirmed cases as of Thursday, compared to the usual annual average of about 50 cases.
• The parasite causing cyclosporiasis spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, and investigations are ongoing by the CDC, FDA, and local authorities to identify the outbreak's source.
• Symptoms include explosive watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, and low-grade fever, with immunocompromised individuals at higher risk of severe effects; the infection is treated with a 10-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
• The CDC reports 145 cases in 17 other states, with at least 20 hospitalizations, and notes a shift toward more domestically acquired cases rather than those linked to imported produce.
• Prevention measures include thoroughly washing produce, discarding damaged fruit or vegetables, refrigerating pre-cut produce, and seeking medical care promptly if experiencing sudden ongoing watery diarrhea in affected areas.