Cyclosporiasis Cases Top 1,400 in Michigan and Ohio

Michigan and Ohio have recorded more than 1,400 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since early June. Michigan reported 1,251 cases as of Thursday, compared with an annual average of about 50 infections. Ohio logged 177 cases as of July 2.

The two states have recorded at least 72 hospitalizations, with Michigan accounting for 44. No deaths have been reported. Investigators have not identified a single food item linked to the outbreak. Past U.S. outbreaks have been associated with bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite found in contaminated food and water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea that can begin two days to two weeks after infection. The illness is not usually life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded cyclosporiasis cases in at least 17 states between early May and mid-June.

Federal surveillance data lags real-world counts by several weeks.