Monroe County, Michigan — Health officials in southeastern Michigan are urging residents to stay alert after identifying a cluster of illnesses linked to a foodborne parasite that can cause weeks of severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Monroe County Health Department announced that several recent cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, have been detected within the county. Officials are now working to determine whether the infections share a common source of exposure.
Residents experiencing symptoms are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider as investigators continue tracing the outbreak.
Officials Investigating Cluster of Cases
According to the Monroe County Health Department, a cluster of cyclosporiasis cases has been identified over the past week.
Health officials believe the illness is associated with Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite commonly found in developing countries where food or water may become contaminated with human waste.
Investigators are attempting to determine whether those affected consumed the same contaminated food or beverage before becoming ill. At this time, officials have not identified a specific product connected to the recent illnesses.
Symptoms May Take Up to Two Weeks to Appear
One of the challenges with Cyclospora infections is that symptoms do not usually appear immediately after exposure.
Health officials say people typically begin experiencing symptoms between two days and two weeks after consuming contaminated food or water.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Low-grade fever
Vomiting is less common but may also occur.
According to health officials, untreated infections can cause symptoms that persist for about a month, and in some cases, symptoms may return even after initially improving.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that some infected individuals may not develop any symptoms at all.
Fresh Produce Often Linked to U.S. Cases
While Cyclospora infections occur more frequently in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, cases reported in the United States have often been linked to contaminated fresh produce.
Health officials emphasized that the parasite is not commonly spread directly from one person to another. Instead, infections usually occur after consuming food or water contaminated with microscopic parasite organisms.
Investigators continue working to determine whether a particular food item may be responsible for the recent Monroe County cases.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Health officials recommend practicing safe food handling to lower the risk of infection.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Thoroughly wash fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running water.
- Use a clean produce brush when appropriate.
- Remove bruised or damaged portions of produce before eating.
- Discard produce that appears spoiled.
- Refrigerate fresh fruits and vegetables within two hours of purchase whenever possible.
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated.
Officials also advise anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis to seek medical evaluation promptly.
Health Officials Continue Monitoring the Situation
The Monroe County Health Department continues investigating the cluster while working to identify any common source of exposure.
Although officials have not announced a confirmed food source, they are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and follow recommended food safety practices until more information becomes available.
Public health officials say early recognition of symptoms and proper food handling remain the best ways to reduce the risk of illness as the investigation continues.
Have you changed the way you wash or prepare fresh produce at home? What food safety habits do you think are most important in preventing foodborne illnesses? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
