Cyclosporiasis outbreak hits Michigan, Ohio, 10+ states

A significant outbreak of the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis is spreading across multiple U.S. states, with Michigan and Ohio reporting hundreds of cases and health officials warning that many more infections are likely going undetected. The outbreak, which began in May, has not been linked to a single food source, complicating efforts to contain it.

As of July 9, Michigan has confirmed 708 cases, a figure state health officials describe as approximately 14 times higher than its annual average and concentrated in Southeast Michigan. Ohio has reported 177 cases, with 171 of those appearing in less than two weeks, mostly since June 20. Cases have also been reported in Illinois, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and other states. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported at least 145 domestically acquired cases between May 1 and June 16, a partial count that does not include the recent surge in Michigan. The total number of infections across all affected states is now likely well over 1,000.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which infects the small intestine. It is spread through food or water...