Diarrhea Outbreak Expands

Associated Press (AP) reported that infections from the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora are growing, with state-level data suggesting that this year is already the nation’s worst year for reported cases. The worst year in the U.S. for infections was 2019, when about 4,700 illnesses were reported, according to federal data on confirmed and suspected cases.

Nationally, as of July 14 more than 7,000 cases have been confirmed or are under investigation in 34 states since May 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (The true number of cases is likely larger than what has been reported as some may have milder illnesses for which they don’t seek medical attention.) No deaths have been reported.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to investigate the nation’s largest outbreak of cyclosporiasis, with 4,312 cases reported as of July 16. Of those, 102 reported cases indicated they had been hospitalized in Michigan.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Ohio, Cyclosporiasis cases have risen to more than 1,100, AP reported. The state typically sees around 70 cases annually.

Evidence collected so far suggests that cases in Michigan, West Virginia, Kentucky, and ​Ohio may be linked ⁠to one source, though that does not account for cases in several other states, Reuters reported. For example, AP reported that of the more than 200 cases in Illinois, more than half the people with infections said they had traveled outside the U.S, and at least some may have been infected elsewhere.

While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out, Michigan health officials said. No specific type of produce, grower, or supplier has been identified as the source. 

The ​ Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday it was investigating multiple produce items, including lettuce, to identify the ‌source of an unusually large cyclosporiasis outbreak, Reuters reported.