More than 2,600 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, the state health department announced Monday. The number jumped by more than 1,000 cases in a single weekend, rising to 2,642 total since June 22. At least 44 people have been hospitalized.
For context, Michigan typically sees about 50 cases of cyclosporiasis per year.
According to ABC News, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said current results from their ongoing investigation point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source of the illnesses. No specific produce, grower, or supplier has been identified.
Most cases have been reported in southeastern Michigan, including Wayne County, where Detroit is located. The outbreak was first identified on June 29, when the Monroe County Health Department announced it was investigating a cluster of cases. Earlier this month, the state health department sent recommendations to restaurants and commercial kitchens in southeast Michigan on how to reduce exposure risks.
The majority of cases have been among adults. The 30-to-39-year-old age group made up the highest share of cases, followed by the 40-to-49 group and then the 60-to-69 group.
The parasite typically spreads through food or water contaminated with feces and does not spread person-to-person, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Past foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce including raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro.
Michigan is not the only state affected. At least 31 other states have reported cases, according to an ABC News tally of CDC and state health department data. New York has reported the second-highest number at 470 cases since May 1, followed by Ohio at 364. Illinois and Florida are each reporting more than 100 cases. The CDC has confirmed 843 domestic cases from May 1 through July 9, and the agency noted it expects a six-week lag between illness onset and case reporting.
The illness is treated with the oral antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, commonly sold as Bactrim.
