The outbreak of cyclosporiasis has also affected multiple other states, including New York, Texas and Florida
Credit: CDC
NEED TO KNOW
- Michigan has confirmed over 300 cases of cyclosporiasis this year, far exceeding its usual annual average of 50 cases
- The parasitic infection, linked to contaminated food or water, has spread across seven counties in Michigan
- Health officials are working to identify the outbreak’s source as cases continue to rise
An outbreak of a parasitic infection is continuing to grow in Michigan as it spreads across multiple states.
More than 300 cases of cyclosporiasis had been confirmed in the state as of Thursday, July 2, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) told ABC News. Usually, the state sees about 50 cases each year.
"Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan," Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, said in a Wednesday, July 1, news release.
"Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported," Bagdasarian added.
Credit: Getty
As of Wednesday, cases had been reported across seven counties in Michigan: Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It spreads through feces and is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water.
It's a form of food poisoning, with watery diarrhea being the main symptom. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, loss of appetite and bloating.
Cyclosporiasis is often mild and clears up on its own, but it can be severe, particularly in children, older adults and people with a weakened immune system.
Among the potential complications are severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and loss of fluid volume in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Bagdasarian urged residents to contact their healthcare provider if they notice "sudden, ongoing diarrhea" and reach out to their local health department if family members are suffering from the same symptoms.
Lynn Sutfin, public information officer for MDHHS, told ABC News that the department is "working closely with our state and local partners to identify the source of this outbreak that is making so many people ill as quickly as possible."
In 2025, there were over 1,000 cases throughout the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Monday, June 29, Michigan's Monroe County Health Department issued an alert after a "cluster" of cases were found in the county.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
And on Wednesday, the CDC said it had received 145 reports of cyclosporiasis across the U.S. since the start of May, listing 17 states — but not Michigan.
Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin were listed as the states affected.
PEOPLE reached out to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for further updates on the outbreak but did not immediately hear back.
Read the full article here
