Michigan health officials are scrambling to identify the source of a Cyclospora outbreak that has made almost 600 people sick. On June 30, 170 illnesses had been reported; four days later, the case total was 572.
Cyclospora is a parasite native to tropical climates that causes illness when people consume food or water contaminated with human feces containing it. Outbreaks are frequently associated with fresh produce.
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What is Cyclospora?
Humans are the only known reservoirs for the parasite Cyclospora. In the U.S., non-travel-related cases are frequently linked to imported produce. Previous Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad, cilantro, basil, snow peas, and berries.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks non-travel-related cases each year. Between May 1, 2026, and June 16, 2026, 145 cases in 17 states were reported, and 20 people had been hospitalized.
Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak
When Michigan health officials announced the outbreak on June 30, 170 cases had been reported over a nine-day period. Normally, a total of 50 cases of cyclosporiasis are reported annually in Michigan.
In a July 4 update, the case count had surged to 572, with most illnesses reported from the following counties in the southeast corner of the state:
- Monroe
- Lenawee
- Washtenaw
- Wayne
- Livingston
- Shiawassee
- Jackson
- Oakland
What are the symptoms of a Cyclospora Infection?
Symptoms of a Cyclospora infection, called cyclosporiasis, include:
- Frequent, watery, and explosive diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Usually, symptoms set in within 1 to 14 days of eating contaminated food. Without treatment, cyclosporiasis symptoms can last for months. Usually, these infections are life-threatening, but dehydration from symptoms can cause severe illness, especially among children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.
What to Do if You Develop Symptoms
- See a doctor right away
- Write down what you remember eating in the week before you became ill
- Make sure your illness is reported to the local health department
- Save receipts from grocery stores and restaurants
- Keep your medical records, lab results, and other test results
- Contact an experienced Cyclospora lawyer
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How to Reduce the Risk of Getting Sick?
Health officials say washing or cooking your produce are the best ways to reduce the risk of getting a Cyclospora infection:
- Wash produce under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it.
- Heating food to 160°F or higher kills Cyclospora.
Experienced Cyclospora Lawyers
Pritzker Hageman Cyclospora lawyers have represented clients sickened in every major Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. To request a free consultation about your potential case, please call 1-888-377-8900, text 612-261-0856, or complete the form below.