Michigan reported 550 more cases of Cyclospora parasite overnight. This brings the state’s total to 4,312.
By this time each year, Michigan typically has 40 to 50 confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection. So far this year, 102 people have been hospitalized in the state. The main symptom of infection is severe diarrhea, which can easily lead to severe dehydration.
“While the investigation is ongoing, available information indicates that lettuce or salad greens may be a potential source of this outbreak. However, other food items cannot be completely ruled out. No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the cause,” according to an update from the Michigan Department of Health today.
One media outlet reported that Taylor Farms, a large producer of leafy greens and packaged salads, is participating in the investigation and supporting the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) traceback efforts. The FDA has not reported which foods or foods it is tracking.
Michigan is part of a nationwide epidemic of microscopic parasitic infections. New York state public health officials are reporting 517 cases, and Ohio is reporting 1,192 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 34 states have at least one probable case of the disease.
Dr. Aaron Glatt, chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau in New York and a spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said the outbreak is likely much larger than the agency’s numbers suggest.
“This is probably just the tip of the iceberg,” Glatt told USA TODAY Network New York. “Many people are not sick enough to see a doctor. Some of them are just self-treating. And only a small percentage of the total actually gets identified, diagnosed and treated.”
CDC’s numbers lag state reports because the agency stopped tracking Cyclospora infections and seven other types of foodborne pathogens starting July 1, 2025. As of July 14 of this year, the CDC had counted 843 confirmed cases, with 5,100 more suspected cases. By this time in 2025, CDC had counted 249 confirmed Cyclospora cases.
Anyone who develops symptoms of Cyclospora infection and has reason to believe they have been exposed to the parasite should seek medical attention. Specific tests are required and antibiotics are used to fight parasites. Symptoms may last for a month or more.
Cyclospora infection can cause severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, often explosive diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Although symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the hospital, death from Cyclospora infection is rare.
