Health officials in Michigan are monitoring a rise in cases of cyclospora, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that it is tracking at least 7,400 additional cases nationwide that have been reported by state and local health departments but are not yet laboratory-confirmed.
A significant portion of these unconfirmed cases originated in Michigan and Ohio, according to the CDC. Cyclosporiasis is typically contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Symptoms generally include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and nausea.
The CDC and state health departments are continuing to analyze data to confirm the specific sources of the current outbreak. Health officials have not yet identified a specific food product linked to the increase in cases in the Midwest region.