As of July 13, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that Cyclosporiasis cases in Genesee County have risen from 11 to 85 people infected with the illness.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, transmitted through contaminated food or water, and is spread from infected feces; symptoms occur two to 14 days after consumption.
While the cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified, foods linked to previous outbreaks include: lettuce, raspberries, snow peas, green onions, cilantro and basil.
Common symptoms of Cyclosporiasis include: watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas nausea and fatigue. Less common symptoms include: vomiting, body aches, headaches, low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms.
Without treatment, symptoms of the illness can last a few days to a month or longer, with some symptoms going away and then returning.
MDHHS recommends that individuals experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and ongoing diarrhea, are encouraged to contact their health care provider for testing and treatment.
Rylie Yeiter is a writer for the Michigan Times and can be reached at jasobii@umich.edu.
