The total number of reported cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan surpassed 10,000 on Wednesday as health officials continue to investigate the state’s worst-ever outbreak of the parasitic illness.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 397 new cases of cyclosporiasis, which usually causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea, on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total since June 22 to 10,077. Wednesday’s case total marks a 4% increase over Tuesday’s total.
The number of cases reported each day hit a peak on July 13, with 726 cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and state public health officials have been investigating the outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico in nine states, including Michigan, according to the CDC and FDA. The other states include Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
The CDC said it’s also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to that outbreak.
Cases had been reported in 70 of Michigan’s 82 counties as of last Thursday, according to the state health department. The largest numbers were in Wayne County with 1,036 cases, Washtenaw County with 773, Oakland County with 710 and Ingham County with 698.
As of last Thursday, 160 people had reportedly been hospitalized, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
MDHHS spokesperson Lynn Sutfin said last week that her department recommends Michigan residents continue to purchase whole heads of lettuce, instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits, and follow the safety guidance it has provided.
asnabes@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Number of cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan surpasses 10,000 amid investigation
Reporting by Anne Snabes, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Anne Snabes, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
