Food-Based Parasite Cases Surge Past 2,600 in Michigan

More than 2,600 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite spread through contaminated food, have now been confirmed in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The cases have popped up in 40 counties across the state since late June, including Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties.

Dr. Ambreen Malik, an infectious disease specialist with UM Health Sparrow, says the parasite itself isn't new, though this outbreak has an unusual twist. "It's not new. The difference is for this current outbreak we're not able to identify the source yet," Malik said. She says most cases so far trace back to contaminated fresh produce, including "lettuce, cilantro, snow peas, raspberries."

The infection causes symptoms like explosive diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea, which can make it easy to mistake for a common stomach bug. Malik says the key difference is how long it lasts. "From regular bacteria or virus, people get sick for two or three days, but this particular parasite causes illness for almost more than a month, so that is important to know," she said.

Though cyclosporiasis isn't contagious and typically clears up on its own, Malik recommends getting care quickly since the symptoms can be harsh. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help treat the illness.