More than 170 sickened in parasitic illness outbreak in Michigan

More than 170 people have been sickened in a large and growing outbreak of a parasitic diarrheal illness in Michigan, far above the number of cases typically reported in the state over an entire year, health officials say. No source has been identified.

The illness, known as cyclosporiasis, has been reported in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson counties, as well as several other counties and the City of Detroit, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The cases were reported over a nine-day period, compared with about 50 cyclosporiasis cases that are usually identified in Michigan each year. Officials said the number is unusual and additional illnesses are expected to be reported.

Monroe County has reported the most cases, with 70, followed by Lenawee County with 33, Washtenaw County with 21, Wayne County with 12, and Jackson and Shiawassee counties with 7 each. Another 24 cases were reported across 11 other counties and Detroit.

The patients range in age from 8 to 84, with an average age of 44 years and a median age of 41, according to state health officials.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite which can spread through food or water contaminated with feces.

Officials said recent U.S. outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer, but no specific food item has been identified in the Michigan outbreak.

The illness is not known to spread from person to person. Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure and may include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and low-grade fever.

Health officials said people with sudden, ongoing diarrhea should contact a health care provider, especially if other people in the same household are also sick. Antibiotic treatment can significantly improve symptoms, but untreated infections can last from a few days to a month or longer.

State and local health officials are interviewing patients to look for a common exposure and determine whether all of the recently reported cases are connected to the same outbreak. People diagnosed with cyclosporiasis are being urged to cooperate with investigators.

Officials also asked residents to wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them, scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers, cut away bruised or damaged areas, and refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked produce as soon as possible.