State health officials are working to track down the source of a rapidly spreading outbreak of a stomach illness caused by a microscopic parasite.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that 572 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in the state.
The number of infections has exploded from just 170 cases a few days earlier, marking a massive spike for a state that typically sees only 50 cases in an entire year.
Most of the illnesses are concentrated in southeast Michigan, including Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
The illness is caused by the Cyclospora*parasite, which infects the small intestine. It’s typically spread by eating raw fruits or vegetables contaminated with human feces.
Symptoms include severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.
Health officials have not identified a specific food source or supplier behind the outbreak. However, past outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce like berries, cilantro, basil, and bagged salads.
Listeners are urged to wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water, keep cut fruits and vegetables refrigerated, and seek medical care if they experience sudden, ongoing illness.