The Genesee County Health Department reported that 11 of the 570 cases of cyclosporiasis in Michigan as of July 4 were detected in Genesee County. Since the county sent its news release on July 7, reports from the state of Michigan stated that suspected cases have grown to more than 700.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal condition that is caused by a parasite spread by food or water that has been contaminated with feces. Outbreaks that have occurred in the United States are most commonly from contaminated produce. The condition doesn’t typically spread from person to person and symptoms, which include frequent diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and fevers, generally appear within 2-14 days from initial exposure.
State of Michigan and Genesee County health officials encourage people experiencing those systems to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Antibiotics can improve the symptoms. Untreated, the illness can last from a few days to a month or longer, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
State public health investigators are still working to determine a cause of the outbreak, but in the past, MDHSS has said that the following types of produce have been associated with it spreading:
- Bagged salad mixes and types of lettuce
- Fresh cilantro, coriander, and basil leaves
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions
Extra precautions recommended by the Health Department include:
- Washing all produce under clean running water
- Scrubbing all firm fruit and vegetables with a clean produce brush
- Cooking food when possible (heating food to 158°F kills cyclospora)
For questions, the Genesee County Health Department’s Communicable Disease program can be reached (810) 257-1017 or GCHD-CD@geneseecountymi.gov. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has information about cyclosporiasis on its website.
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