Michigan health officials on Thursday reported 13,909 cases linked to a statewide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal parasitic illness that authorities say remains the largest concentration of cases in a multi-state outbreak. The total represents roughly an 11% increase from the previous week, though state officials said new reports and emergency department visits have begun to decline.
Scope and impacts across the state
The Department of Health and Human Services said the state has recorded two deaths associated with the outbreak; officials noted both decedents had significant underlying health conditions. Of those infected, 314 people were hospitalized.
| Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| Michigan cases | 13,909 |
| Reported deaths | 2 |
| Hospitalizations | 314 |
| CDC lab-confirmed U.S. cases (as of Aug. 11) | 13,895 |
Within Michigan, Wayne County reported the most cases at 1,794, followed by Oakland County at 1,344. By age group, people aged 30 to 39 accounted for the largest share, with 2,615 infections.
Public guidance and confidence in fresh produce
State health officials said residents can return to routine guidance for consuming lettuce and salad greens, reflecting what they characterize as a deceleration in new case reports. Still, the outbreak has rattled consumer confidence in fresh produce, with impacts on sales at restaurant chains and supermarkets.
"Americans should remain confident in the safety of fresh produce,"
the acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner, Kyle Diamantas, said after the agency finalized guidance on produce preparation and packaging intended to address persistent foodborne outbreaks.
Federal figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 47 states as of Aug. 11. The close alignment between the CDC's national total and Michigan's state total in recent reports highlights how severely Michigan has been affected during this outbreak.
What is cyclosporiasis and who is at risk
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Illness may also include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms can be more severe and prolonged in people with weakened immune systems and in older adults.
- Symptoms typically begin a few days to two weeks after exposure.
- Treatment generally involves antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for confirmed infections.
- People who are ill are advised to seek medical care, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Ongoing investigations and public health response
State and federal officials continue to investigate the outbreak's source and are coordinating guidance to the public and the food industry. The FDA's new guidance on produce handling and packaging is part of broader efforts to reduce the risk of contamination during growing, processing and distribution.
Health officials encouraged consumers to follow standard food-safety practices: thoroughly washing produce, properly refrigerating perishable items and seeking care if they develop prolonged diarrhea or dehydration. At the same time, authorities stressed that routine consumption of fresh produce remains safe for most people when general precautions are observed.
Local public health departments in the hardest-hit counties are monitoring trends in emergency department visits and case reports and will adjust outreach as needed. Officials also emphasized the importance of reporting suspected cases to help trace exposures and protect vulnerable populations.
With hundreds hospitalized and two confirmed deaths tied to the outbreak in Michigan, public health agencies say vigilance remains necessary even as new case counts appear to be slowing.
