The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) has issued guidance on cooking certain foods due to an ongoing Cyclosporiasis outbreak. This parasitic illness can result in severe diarrhea. Michigan has experienced a surge in cases, with 2,640 recorded as of July 13, although the state typically reports only 50 annually.
Guidelines for Food Preparation
The MDHHS provided advice on preparing five types of raw produce, particularly for those involved in food preparation and service, including restaurants and commercial kitchens. These foods include leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, snow peas, and raspberries. Cooking these foods, particularly raspberries into jams and pies, is recommended. Frozen raspberries are suggested as an alternative due to their challenging surface, which can harbor parasites in crevices.
Specific preparation tips include buying whole lettuce instead of prewashed bags and removing two to three outer layers before washing the inner leaves. Green onions should have their roots trimmed and their outer layer removed.
Expert Insights
Ynés Ortega, an associate professor at the University of Georgia in the Department of Food Science and Technology, highlighted that past infections often originated from berries and leafy vegetables. Ortega emphasized the importance of thoroughly washing fresh produce and avoiding cross-contamination with cooked foods.
No specific food source has been conclusively linked to the current outbreak. Newsweek has reached out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further comments.
State-Specific Case Counts
Several states have reported increases in Cyclosporiasis cases, including:
- Michigan: Over 2,500 cases
- New York: 394 cases
- Ohio: 364 cases
- North Carolina: 205 cases
- Illinois: 141 cases
- Texas: 48 cases
The CDC stated in a July 10 press release that there have been 843 confirmed domestic cases since May 1, 2026, and more than 1,500 require further analysis. National surveillance data often lags, so case counts reported by states may outpace CDC figures. Efforts are ongoing to synchronize data.
Understanding Cyclosporiasis Symptoms
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis usually appear about a week after consuming contaminated food or water, although the incubation can range from two days to two weeks. Symptoms include:
- Frequent and severe diarrhea
- Severe stomach cramps and bloating
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Prolonged fatigue and weight loss
Health authorities urge those with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical attention and request specific testing for this parasite.
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