Overview
- Health agencies reported Saturday that Michigan has logged more than 1,500 confirmed cases and infections have been reported from roughly 31 states, far above normal seasonal counts.
- The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis infects the small intestine and typically causes watery, sometimes severe diarrhea that can last days to more than a month and lead to dehydration.
- Officials say the parasite is usually spread by food or water contaminated with fecal matter, and outbreaks are often linked to fresh produce and herbs such as raspberries, basil and cilantro.
- Michigan has advised avoiding some packaged salads and washing herbs and berries, clinicians are collecting multiple stool samples for diagnosis, and patients are being treated with commonly used antibiotics.
- Public-health investigators have not identified a specific contamination source, and the unresolved probe could prompt broader testing, consumer warnings, and targeted recalls if a common food or water supply is found.