Wayne County health officials track 27 potential cyclosporiasis cases amid growing Michigan outbreak

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Wayne County health officials say they are tracking 27 potential cases of cyclosporiasis as part of a growing intestinal illness outbreak spreading across southeast Michigan.

The outbreak spans multiple counties and has sickened more than 300 people statewide, according to state health officials.

>>Read more: What is cyclosporiasis? Know the signs, prevention as Michigan health officials investigate outbreak<<

Investigators are still working to identify the source.

Wayne County Public Health is collaborating with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and local health departments to investigate the outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

It spreads through food or water contaminated with the parasite and is not typically transmitted from person to person.

In the United States, outbreaks have most often been linked to contaminated fresh produce.

State health officials said part of the recent increase in reported cases may be due to greater awareness of the outbreak. They also noted that symptoms can take one to two weeks to appear after exposure.

Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two to 14 days later.

Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever.

Without treatment, the illness can last several days to more than a month, and symptoms may return even after temporary improvement.

Most infections can be treated with prescription antibiotics.

Health officials recommend the following precautions:

• Wash hands before preparing or eating food.

• Thoroughly rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.

• Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush.

• Remove damaged portions of fruits and vegetables.

• Refrigerate cut produce promptly.

• Seek medical care if severe or persistent diarrhea develops.

The investigation remains ongoing as health officials continue working to determine the source of the outbreak.