The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued additional food safety recommendations as Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak grows. Most cases have been identified in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston counties. While investigators have not yet identified a specific produce item, grower, or supplier as the source, MDHHS is working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and local health departments to determine the cause.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite and is typically acquired by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms usually develop about one week after exposure and commonly include frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and loss of appetite. While the illness is generally not life-threatening, dehydration can lead to serious complications, particularly among older adults, young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. The infection is treatable with antibiotics.
Because previous outbreaks in the United States and Canada have been linked to fresh produce - including bagged salad mixes, cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions - MDHHS is recommending that restaurants, commercial kitchens and other food service establishments in southeast Michigan take additional precautions when preparing these foods. Whenever possible, officials recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce instead of prepackaged salad mixes, thoroughly washing fresh produce under running water and cooking produce when appropriate, as heat effectively kills the parasite.
MDHHS also reminds consumers and food service professionals to follow routine food safety practices, including washing hands before and after handling food, cleaning and sanitizing food preparation surfaces and utensils, properly refrigerating cut produce and discarding damaged portions of fruits and vegetables.
Healthcare providers should consider cyclosporiasis in patients presenting with persistent gastrointestinal illness, particularly those with ongoing diarrhea. Individuals experiencing symptoms are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider and local health department. MDHHS will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Resources:
- Outbreak of cyclosporiasis occurring in Michigan
- MDHHS makes additional recommendations on preventing foodborne illness amid growing cyclosporiasis outbreak in Southeast Michigan
- CDC – About Cyclosporiasis