{"id":921549,"date":"2026-07-08T19:47:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T19:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/921549\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T19:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T19:47:19","slug":"explosive-cyclospora-outbreak-leaves-michigan-approaching-1000-cases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/921549\/","title":{"rendered":"Explosive Cyclospora outbreak leaves Michigan approaching 1,000 cases"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Director of Research and Education for the Texas Invasive Species Institute Ashley Morgan-Olvera on the threats hammerhead flatworms pose.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reported cases of cyclosporiasis are climbing sharply across the country, with the state of Michigan<\/a> already reaching nearly 1,000 confirmed cases as of July 8.\u00a0<\/p>\n

MORE THAN 140 AMERICANS IN OVER A DOZEN STATES SICKENED BY NASTY DIARRHEA-CAUSING PARASITE AS CDC INVESTIGATES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the national baseline sat at just 145 cases between May 1 and June 16, highlighting the explosive speed of the local outbreak.<\/p>\n

\"Oocyst <\/p>\n

Oocyst of C. cayetanensis.\u00a0<\/p>\n

(CDC)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rather disturbing parasite<\/a>, Cyclospora, is the culprit behind this intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis.\u00a0<\/p>\n

THIS INVASIVE LIZARD SPECIES IS THREATENING THE ECOSYSTEM AS IT SPREADS ACROSS CENTRAL FLORIDA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The infection commonly triggers watery diarrhea along with other severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, pain, bloating, and increased gas.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Cyclosporiasis vector icon set. Medical icons.<\/p>\n

(Alexander Ryabintsev \/ Getty Images)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Michigan in particular has been on a rapid rise in cases, specifically Southeast Michigan.<\/p>\n

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has a dedicated outbreak webpage to track the crisis, with official data showing 992 cases confirmed for the state.<\/p>\n

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ACTIVATED AFTER FLESH-EATING PARASITE BREACHES 2 STATE BORDERS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Technician holding a specimen container with stool sample for cyclospora test, to diagnosis of cyclosporiasis by examining under a microscope and finding oocysts.<\/p>\n

(Md Babul Hosen \/ Getty Images)<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the cases climb, the critical question still remains: Where is it coming from?<\/p>\n

While\u00a0Cyclospora\u00a0is most common in tropical and subtropical<\/a> regions, the U.S. faces\u00a0domestic foodborne outbreaks\u00a0almost every year, typically driven by imported fresh produce.<\/p>\n

DEADLY FLESH-EATING PARASITE POSES RISK TO PETS THIS SUMMER: HERE ARE THE SAFETY TIPS TO KNOW<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Strikingly, none of the initial 145 patients sickened in the multi-state wave reported traveling outside the country.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/ <\/p>\n

Woman holding her stomach in pain, suffering from period cramps or stomach ache at home<\/p>\n

(Vladimir Vladimirov \/ Getty Images)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Within the U.S<\/a>., the CDC has linked previous seasonal outbreaks to imported produce including:<\/p>\n