The number of cases of cyclosporiasis – a parasitic intestinal infection often causing cramping and explosive diarrhea – has more than doubled in the past week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday, July 23. MDHSS said new numbers have risen by 6.8% since Wednesday's report.
The department's website said at least 7,648 people have been infected since June, when the state first identified the outbreak – a 3,359 increase since July 16.
Michigan remains the highest among 41 states currently reporting cyclosporiasis cases in a nationally recorded outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of July 21, the CDC recorded 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and recognizes
7,400 more that require further analysis and investigation.
The CDC acknowledged they may be reporting lower numbers than local state-recorded cases, as they use a different system to record and investigate cases.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora, said the CDC. It commonly impacts the small intestine, which commonly causes abdominal cramps and explosive diarrhea. The disease isn't considered fatal, and no deaths have been recorded from the disease nationwide.
The state is still investigating the cause of the outbreak, but announced it continues to look into lettuce and salad greens as a potential source. No specific produce, nor any grower or supplier, has been officially identified as a source.
Cases have been identified in 71 of Michigan's 83 counties, which is a rise from only 65 counties reported last week. The largest numbers reside in Wayne, Washtenaw and Oakland counties, which combined have 32.9% of cases statewide.
These are the Michigan counties with the largest number of cases:
- Wayne: 1,201
- Washtenaw: 773
- Oakland: 710
- Ingham: 698
- Shiawassee: 401
- Genesee: 366
- Monroe: 347
Reach Intern Harrison Stidolph: HStidolph@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak rises to more than 7,600 cases
