NEW YORK (AP) — About 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause watery diarrhea for several weeks, making it the largest outbreak in state history and the nation’s largest in years.
No deaths have been reported and the source of Cyclospora infection has not been identified. Meanwhile, similar illnesses are being investigated in 28 other states, including Ohio, where people are also getting sick across the Michigan border.
Michigan officials first announced the outbreak last week, when they learned of more than 170 cases since June 22 — all in the southeast corner of the state. Michigan typically identifies only 50 cases each year.
The state informed on Wednesday The number The number had risen to 992, including about 40 hospitalised. Just across the state border, Lucas County, Ohio, reported 306 cases as of Wednesday. Northwest Ohio has seen more than 500 cases.
Cyclospora growth can be difficult to investigate, and sources of food poisoning can be difficult to establish. But Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, told The Associated Press on Wednesday, “There’s clearly a connected outbreak happening right now.”
Here’s what you need to know about the current situation:
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that typically causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease, called cyclosporiasis, is usually not life-threatening and is usually treated with antibiotics. outbreak Most occur in late spring and summer.
The heat-loving parasite infects the intestines and is spread through feces. In the past, people have become infected by eating the fruit or vegetables Who were in contact with sewage-contaminated irrigation water.
It is less common than many other types of foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli. For years, a few US cyclospora outbreaks were reported each year. But the numbers began rising about a decade ago, with particularly notable increases in 2018 and 2019. Experts attribute the increase to climate change and better detection.
How does this outbreak compare to previous outbreaks in the US?
Comprehensive data on Cyclospora outbreaks is lacking. But available information shows that only a small number of documented outbreaks in the past 20 years have exceeded 1,000 cases. That short list includes a 1997 outbreak linked to Guatemalan raspberries that sickened more than 1,000 people in the US and Canada, and a 2019 outbreak linked to Mexican basil that sickened more than 2,400.
There are several reasons why knowing the exact toll is challenging, said Melanie Firestone, a foodborne disease researcher at the University of Minnesota. Some tests used to investigate types of food poisoning are not designed to detect Cyclospora, he said, “so there is a lot of under-reporting when it comes to it.”
Other challenges: Technicians are not able to grow parasites in laboratories, making it difficult to extract evidence from contaminated produce. And it can be hard to figure out what the sick people’s meals had in common, because sometimes it’s a single ingredient that may be common to multiple dishes — like basil or cilantro.
Additionally, it is also possible that food distributors may ship contaminated foods to both grocery stores and restaurants, making it difficult to trace where the contaminated food came from. Investigations can take months and sometimes no clear source can be found.
What is the Current Status?
Cases appear to be increasing in and around Southeast Michigan. But it is not considered a national health emergency.
Diana Blau, CDC’s acting parasitic disease branch chief, said there is no evidence the parasite has become more contagious.
He said thousands of Cyclospora illnesses are reported each year in the U.S. and it’s not yet clear how unusual this year will be. That said, according to current CDC national data, case totals so far are four times higher than last year, dramatically lagging behind what states are reporting.
Michigan appears to be experiencing the worst of it, but the state’s aggressiveness in investigating and reporting cases “may be part of the reason why it looks like a Michigan problem,” Baghdasarian said.
How can you protect yourself from Cyclospora?
Officials say people who have diarrhea that doesn’t get better on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of Cyclospora.
The best way to prevent parasite infection is to avoid contaminated food or water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating. But be aware that Cyclospora can actually stick to certain foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection.
As Michigan officials investigate the possible source, they advise consumers to purchase whole lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or salad mix and to remove the outer two to three leaves before washing the remaining leaves under running water.
They also say to cook vegetables when possible.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. AP is solely responsible for all content.