The Ionia County Health Department has identified six confirmed cases and two suspected cases of cyclosporiasis.
Local officials are collaborating with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the source and prevent further illnesses, according to a community announcement.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora cayetanensis. Infection typically occurs when a person consumes contaminated food or water. There have been more than 700 cases reported throughout Michigan since late June.
Common symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and increased gas. They usually begin about one week after exposure but can appear between two days and two weeks. Without treatment, the illness may last several days to more than a month, and symptoms may return.
If you experience these symptoms, contact your primary care provider for testing and evaluation. The health department recommends staying hydrated and monitoring symptoms closely.
As part of their investigation, officials are interviewing affected individuals to identify potential sources of exposure. Those diagnosed with cyclosporiasis are encouraged to share detailed food histories.
While no specific food item or supplier has been identified, MDHHS advises taking extra precautions with fresh produce, especially leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, raspberries and snow peas. Some key recommendations include:
These steps are particularly important for older adults, young children, individuals with weakened immune systems and anyone at higher risk for dehydration.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis. The Ionia County Health Department can be reached 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at 616-527-5341.
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— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan. This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Ionia Sentinel-Standard: Ionia County confirms six cases, two suspected of cyclosporiasis
Reporting by Evan Sasiela, Ionia Sentinel-Standard / Ionia Sentinel-Standard
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By Evan Sasiela, Ionia Sentinel-Standard | USA TODAY Network
