Cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan surpasses 10,000 cases

Investing.com -- A parasite outbreak in Michigan has reached 10,077 cases of cyclosporiasis, with 160 people hospitalized, the state's Health and Human Services department said Wednesday. The outbreak has spread to 45 states across the US since May.

The Michigan health department said salad greens are a common source of the infection, but an investigation continues and other foods have not been ruled out.

Cyclosporiasis results from ingesting cyclospora, a microscopic parasite. The infection causes frequent and watery diarrhea lasting from a few days to several months. Common antibiotics can treat the condition.

The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, which supplied the ingredient to Taco Bell. The company recalled products across 27 states, including bagged lettuce sold at Walmart Inc (NYSE: WMT). The Midwest outbreak connected to Taylor Farms has affected nine states, including Ohio and Illinois.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more than 6,700 cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide and reports awareness of 11,500 additional cases that remain unconfirmed. CDC infection numbers typically lag behind state tallies due to the time between symptom onset and reporting to the agency.

The federal government is investigating additional outbreaks of the parasite. North Carolina has reported more than 700 cases, likely connected to basil and parsley.

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