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Michigan Investigates Sharp Rise in Cyclospora Illnesses
Russ Survance
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:56:20 EDT
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State health officials are investigating a rapidly expanding outbreak of cyclosporiasis across southeast and south-central Michigan after an unusually high number of illnesses were reported over the past week.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, working alongside the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and several local health departments, says more than 170 confirmed cases have been identified as of June 30. The illnesses have been reported in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson counties. By comparison, Michigan typically records about 50 cases during an entire year.
Investigators have not yet identified a common source, but officials say outbreaks of the parasite are often linked to contaminated fresh produce or water. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is not believed to spread from person to person.
Symptoms usually appear between 2-14 days after exposure and can include persistent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, low-grade fever and loss of appetite. Health officials encourage anyone experiencing ongoing gastrointestinal illness to seek medical attention, noting that the infection can often be effectively treated with antibiotics.
State agriculture officials are also reminding consumers to follow safe food-handling practices by thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables, scrubbing firm produce, trimming away damaged areas and refrigerating cut produce promptly.
The investigation remains active as state and local health officials continue interviewing patients in an effort to determine whether the reported illnesses share a common source and to help prevent additional cases.
