Michigan outbreak of parasitic infection sickens more than 1,200

A total of 1,251 Michigan residents reported cases of a diarrhea-causing parasitic infection as of Thursday, according to the state’s health department. The state first announced an outbreak of cyclosporiasis on July 1 after identifying 170 cases. By Saturday, that number had more than tripled. Cases appeared to be concentrated in southeast Michigan, officials said.

The infection typically manifests as a gastrointestinal illness that, if untreated, can last more than a month. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can spread via food or water contaminated with feces. Contaminated fresh produce is the most likely means of transmission, as the infection isn’t known to spread from person to person, according to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. No specific produce or grower has yet been identified as a source of the outbreak, the department told WORLD in an email.

Did health officials say how to avoid cyclosporiasis? They warned that previous outbreaks were linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro and basil leaves, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. More generally, they recommended:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, scrubbing them if possible

• Cut off damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating

• Cook produce if possible

• Refrigerate any cut, peeled, or cooked fruits

Dig deeper: Read my report on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda.