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What is cyclosporiasis? Know the signs, prevention as Michigan health officials investigate outbreak
ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4 • • health
Key Points:
- Michigan is experiencing a cyclosporiasis outbreak with at least 170 cases reported across multiple counties, significantly higher than the usual annual average of about 50 cases.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the source of the outbreak, which affects individuals aged 8 to 84, with a median age of 41.
- Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, typically linked to consuming contaminated fresh produce or water, with symptoms including watery diarrhea and lasting from days to over a month if untreated.
- The parasite spreads through ingestion of contaminated food or water, but direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely due to the parasite's lifecycle outside the human body.
- Prevention measures include thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, proper food handling, and avoiding consumption of potentially contaminated food or water, with healthcare providers recommending testing stool samples for diagnosis.
