Nearly 7,000 people nationwide may have cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that can cause weeks of severe diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bulk of the cases are in Michigan, which has confirmed 3,309 cases.
Investigation Ongoing
The CDC has confirmed 1,645 people nationwide have been sickened by cyclosporiasis, with an additional 5,100 cases under investigation. At least 34 states are reporting cases, with 141 people hospitalized since cases were first reported in May. No deaths have been reported.
Michigan health officials have identified lettuce or salad greens as possible sources of the outbreak, but have not identified a supplier of the produce or where the products have been distributed. The Food and Drug Administration has launched an investigation.
Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can spread from human feces to products like lettuce through contaminated water or unsafe food handling. The illness can begin with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, body aches, and nausea, and is most commonly treated with the antibiotic Bactrim.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
