Authorities in the US state of Michigan have confirmed at least 228 cases of cyclosporosis, an acute intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, in local residents since the end of June. The number was nearly five times the state's annual average and twice the national average for the month.
As the Detroit Free Press notes, citing local health department representative Lynn Sutfin, the specific reason for the sharp jump in incidence has not yet been established. It is also not yet clear whether we are talking about one outbreak or several associated with different sources. Cases began to be reported en masse on June 22 in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson counties.
Experts note that the parasite lives in feces, which can land on fruits and vegetables, and is more common in developing countries in the tropics and subtropics. Epidemiologist Teresa Detano from Ohio, neighboring Michigan, where new cases of cyclosporosis are also being recorded, noted in a conversation with ABC 13 that in the United States we can talk about infected tomatoes and lettuce leaves.
The doctor noted that the main method of protection against cyclosporiasis remains thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating them. Detano also urged people experiencing symptoms of a parasitic infection to consult a doctor immediately.
The main symptoms of cyclosporiasis are “explosive” diarrhea, nausea and other intestinal problems. Unlike some other intestinal infections, the disease requires treatment with antibiotics. The parasite, entering the human body, affects the small intestine.
US federal authorities have not yet commented on the outbreak in Michigan. On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, it does not appear in the statistics on cyclospora.
The state with the largest number of recorded cases from early May to mid-June was New York (31-80 cases). It is also noted that 20 people infected throughout the country during this period required hospitalization, and a total of 145 cases of cyclosporiasis were confirmed.
