Widespread Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in 31 States

A foodborne gastrointestinal illness is spreading across 31 states. Federal health officials report 86 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak.

The illness, identified as cyclosporiasis, is under investigation. Health experts found Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts in a stool sample.

Michigan health officials suspect salad greens may be linked to the outbreak in the state. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, stated, “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation.”

The source remains unclear. Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services noted other foods cannot be ruled out yet. Michigan reports the bulk of the cases, with 2,640 infections. Nationwide, nearly 3,000 cases have occurred. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noted that the illness has resulted in 86 hospitalizations.

The onset of symptoms can take up to a week, health experts explain. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, extreme fatigue, body aches, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Treatment involves fluids and antibiotics.

Health officials in Michigan advise caution. They recommend avoiding prepackaged salads and suggest choosing individual heads of lettuce instead. They suggest rinsing leaves thoroughly, discarding outer layers, and cooking vegetables when possible.