Michigan's explosive outbreak of diarrheal parasite jumps to over 1,200 cases
Summary
Michigan is experiencing a large outbreak of a tiny parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes diarrhea and is found on contaminated food or water. Over 1,200 cases have been reported in Michigan, with hundreds more in nearby Ohio, and health officials are still trying to find the exact source.Key Facts
- Michigan has reported 1,251 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 9, with 44 people hospitalized.
- The outbreak started in late June and grew rapidly, with a record 239 cases in one day on July 8.
- Nearby Ohio has also seen more than 500 cases, especially in Lucas County.
- Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water, often produce.
- Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, cramps, and bloating, with diarrhea lasting a month or more if untreated.
- The illness is treated with an antibiotic combination called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).
- People are advised to thoroughly wash or cook produce like lettuce, green onions, cilantro, basil, snow peas, and raspberries to reduce risk.
- The parasite becomes infectious about one to two weeks after being shed in feces and is not spread directly between people.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
