Federal Officials Investigate Cyclospora Outbreak as Cases Exceed 12,000

A new outbreak of the “explosive diarrhea” parasite cyclospora is under investigation by federal officials as more than 12,000 total cases have been reported across the nation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating another outbreak linked to at least 72 of the nation’s cases. It’s unclear what product may be implicated in the outbreak but the agency said Wednesday that it had “initiated traceback” in an attempt to find the origin of the parasitic illnesses.

The outbreak is the latest of four currently under investigation by the FDA, including one linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. The California company has voluntarily recalled its product grown in central Mexico.

What is causing the other outbreaks remains unknown and health officials have said there could be multiple products implicated in this summer’s explosion of cyclosporiasis cases.

Infections occur following exposure to the microscopic parasite cyclospora - usually by handling contaminated produce - and can lead to watery diarrhea, fever, body aches, fatigue and other symptoms that last for weeks.

“It’s just more very watery diarrhea. More than three times a day and then feeling kind of bloated, full, uncomfortable,” Dr. Rebecca Schein, an infectious disease expert at Michigan State University Health Care, explained in a statement. “Sort of like you just ate Thanksgiving dinner, but every day.”

Cyclosporiasis is not typically life-threatening, but weight loss and the dehydrating effects of the near-constant diarrhea can send people to the hospital.

There have been at least 308 hospitalizations since May 1 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 4,173 cases in over 40 states. The agency said it is aware of more than 7,400 additional cases that are not yet confirmed through lab testing.

However, the agency’s case reports have lagged behind local and state reports. The agency said it expects case counts to continue to rise due to the slow onset of illness.

Michigan’s own case reports are much larger than have been confirmed by the CDC. There are now 7,171 cases, state officials said Wednesday.

That adds 600 to the more than 12,000 cases reported across the country, according to The Independent’s latest analysis of state and federal data and local reports.

Cases typically rise in the summer months, but this season has seen the highest number of cases on record.

Despite that, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. told reporters that the outbreak in Michigan and surrounding states was “under control” earlier this week.

"We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics and we have identified the source of the outbreak. We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall," he said.

While officials work to understand what’s behind this year’s surge, people can stay safe by avoiding potential sources of exposure.

A 2020 outbreak linked to bagged salads containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots sickened 701 people in 14 states. Previous illnesses have been tied to cilantro, raspberries, snow peas, basil and parsley.

Washing produce with clean water can also help - but the only thing that kills the parasite is cooking produce at a temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit.