The number of cases of cyclosporiasis — a parasitic intestinal infection that causes diarrhea and abdominal cramps — climbed 25% overnight in Michigan, the state health department reported.
At least 3,309 people have been infected with cyclosporiasis between June 22, when the outbreak was first identified, and 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 14.
One day earlier, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,640 cases.
Michigan is among 34 states reporting a surge in cyclosporiasis infections as part of a national outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of July 13, the federal agency reported 1,645 laboratory-confirmed cases and 141 hospitalizations nationally. But it acknowledged its data is likely to include lower numbers than what are reported by local and state health departments.
“On a regular basis, CDC reports all laboratory-confirmed cases that are received from states,” the agency said on its surveillance website. “State data may include both probable and confirmed cases, which in turn is likely to reflect a higher case count than the CDC surveillance data because initial case reports have not yet been reported to CDC. The CDC surveillance updates do not include probable cases.”
Those who’ve been sickened ranged in age from 2 to 95 years, with a median age of 44, according to the CDC. No deaths have been reported.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that infects people when they eat or drink contaminated food or water. Michigan public health investigators say they are zeroing in on lettuce and other salad greens as potential sources of the massive outbreak.
“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, in a July 13 statement. “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.”
Other types of food items cannot be completely ruled out, the state health department said, and no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.
According to MDHHS, among the hardest-hit Michigan counties are:
Hospitalization data for Michigan residents infected with cyclosporiasis was last updated July 9, when the state health department reported 44 people had been hospitalized.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan cyclosporiasis cases climb 25% overnight, topping 3,300
Reporting by Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
