Cases of an explosive diarrheal parasite They continue to skyrocket in Michigan, which reports 1,251 cases as of July 9. Of them, 44 were hospitalized. Meanwhile, across the border in Ohio, cases are also rising rapidly, with news reports putting the total at more than 500.
The outbreak in Michigan It began with two cases reported on June 22 and rose sharply in early July. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported 572 cases on July 4. On Wednesday, July 8, 239 cases were reported, the highest single-day number so far. The current total of 1,251 cases includes 159 case reports received on July 9.
The epicenter of the outbreak is in the southeast corner of the state, where health officials from multiple jurisdictions are working frantically to identify and interview cases to trace the source or sources of the parasite, which spreads through food and water.
Microscopic threat
That parasite is Cyclospora cayetanensisa single-celled microscopic protozoan shed in feces that typically infects humans in the U.S. through contaminated produce, although it can also spread in contaminated drinking water. In recent years, the United States has recorded between 2,000 and 5,000 cases each year, and the parasite thrives in the summer months. Cases are usually highest in June and July.
While it is still unclear whether this will be a record year for cyclosporiasis cases nationally, it is certain that Michigan is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak. In recent years, the state’s annual case total has mostly been around 50; The number of cases in July alone is already 25 times higher than the usual number. And cases continue to rise, while researchers have not yet identified how people get sick.
