U.S. health officials are still investigating the source of an intestinal illness that causes "explosive" diarrhea and has now sickened more than 1,700 people confirmed nationwide, with at least 1,500 additional cases pending confirmation. The outbreak's largest cluster remains in Michigan. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal, stomach-churning illness caused by a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water that contains the parasite. The symptoms of cyclosporiasis are similar to those of other food-borne illnesses like norovirus, E. coli or salmonella, except that cyclosporiasis "lasts longer and symptoms can get a little better and then they can come back," Dr. Jade Le, infectious diseases service line chief at Access TeleCare, told Yahoo. Michigan has now confirmed more than 1,562 cases, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services, with at least 36 people hospitalized so far. To put the scale in perspective, Michigan typically records only about 50 cyclospora cases per year.
Published: July 11, 2026 5:54 pm
Source: Yahoo Health — Read original