Michigan investigates leafy greens in Cyclospora outbreak
State health officials report 3,309 cyclosporiasis cases as interviews point to lettuce and salad greens as likely sources.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Michigan health officials are investigating lettuce and salad greens as the leading suspected source of a sharp cyclosporiasis outbreak. The case count matters because Michigan has reported thousands of infections this year after usually recording about 50 in recent years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
As of July 14, the department reported 3,309 cases of the food-borne parasite illness in Michigan. Forty-four people have been hospitalized, according to the agency’s outbreak data.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora. The illness can bring urgent watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea, according to the Michigan health department information cited in the outbreak report.
The department’s latest findings are based on interviews with more than 1,000 people who became sick in Michigan. Those interviews have pointed investigators toward leafy greens, including lettuce and salad greens, as the probable vehicle, MDHHS said.
Ars Technica reported that Taco Bell has also been eyed in connection with the outbreak, though the Michigan agency’s public summary highlighted leafy greens as the main suspected source. The available state data did not identify a specific supplier, farm or restaurant chain as the confirmed origin of the illnesses.
The outbreak is occurring during a broader national increase in Cyclospora infections, Ars Technica reported. Michigan’s numbers stand out because the state’s tally has climbed far beyond its usual annual level.
Health investigations into food-borne outbreaks often rely on interviews with patients to identify shared foods or venues. In this case, MDHHS said the pattern from more than 1,000 interviews has made leafy greens the primary focus.
The agency’s figures show the outbreak has caused substantial illness, though hospitalizations represent a small share of the reported Michigan cases. The state’s count may change as additional illnesses are reported and investigated.
MDHHS has posted the outbreak information on its infectious disease outbreak page. The department’s current public update lists the July 14 case total, the hospitalization count and the suspected link to leafy greens.
This story draws on original reporting from Ars Technica.