COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Michigan is currently battling what health officials believe is the largest Cyclosporas outbreak in U.S. history, as total confirmed cases skyrocketed to 4,312 following an additional 550 infections reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday.
The rapid surge of the foodborne parasitic illness—which usually averages only 50 cases annually in the state has now expanded into 64 counties since first being identified in late June.
Hospitalizations have more than doubled over the past week to 102 patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal distress, including explosive diarrhea, intense stomach cramps, and prolonged fatigue.
Public health investigators are continuing to focus on lettuce and pre-packaged salad greens as the primary potential source of the contamination.
Branch County now has five confirmed cases with 29 reported in Hillsdale County,10 in St Joseph County and 87 confirmed cases in Calhoun County, Indiana is also reporting 20 confirmed cases just across the state line in Steuben County.
State health leaders, including MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, are advising commercial kitchens and residents across the state to handle fresh produce with extreme care, recommend buying whole heads of lettuce over bagged varieties, and urge anyone experiencing sudden, ongoing diarrhea to immediately contact a doctor.
Comments