An explosive outbreak of the diarrheal parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis has reached alarming levels in Michigan, with a total of 1,251 cases reported as of July 9. The outbreak is particularly concerning due to its rapid spread and high hospitalization rate, with 44 individuals requiring medical attention.
The outbreak began on June 22 with just two cases but quickly escalated at the start of July, with 572 new cases reported on July 4. The situation worsened further on Wednesday, July 8, when 239 new cases were reported, marking the highest single-day tally so far. The current total includes an additional 159 case reports received on July 9.
The epicenter of the outbreak is located in the southeastern corner of Michigan, where health officials from multiple jurisdictions are working tirelessly to identify and interview cases in order to track the source or sources of the parasite. Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic, single-celled protozoan that spreads through contaminated food and water, typically infecting humans via produce.
In recent years, the US has seen between 2,000 and 5,000 cases annually, with the parasite thriving in the summer months. While it remains unclear whether this will be a record year for cyclosporiasis cases nationally, Michigan’s outbreak is undoubtedly unprecedented, exceeding the state’s usual yearly case total of around 50 by a staggering factor of 25.
Cases are also surging across the border from southeastern Michigan into northwestern Ohio, with counties in the region reporting over 500 cases. Lucas County alone has seen 306 cases as of Wednesday. Health experts emphasize that transmission is most likely through contaminated food, rather than human-to-human contact.
Once infected, a person typically begins experiencing symptoms about a week later, although onset can range from two days to over two weeks. The main symptom is ‘watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,’ accompanied by nausea, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. Without treatment, the diarrhea can persist for a month or longer.
A primary concern is dehydration, which highlights the importance of prompt medical attention. People experiencing diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider to determine if it’s cyclosporiasis, which can be treated with the combination antimicrobial trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (sold as Bactrim).
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is advising people to exercise caution when consuming certain produce linked to past cyclosporiasis outbreaks. Officials recommend avoiding bagged lettuces and opting for whole heads instead, removing the outer two or three leaves before washing the inner leaves thoroughly.
Green onions should be trimmed, with outer layers removed before thorough washing. Cilantro, basil, and snow peas should also be thoroughly washed under running water. For raspberries, which can harbor the parasite and be difficult to clean, MDHHS advises cooking them or sticking to frozen berries—freezing reduces the risk of the parasite, although it doesn’t eliminate it.
In all, the safest choice is cooking.
Source: Original article