What is cyclosporiasis? Know the signs, prevention as Michigan health officials investigate outbreak - ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4

Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal NewsSamantha Sayles, Senior Digital Producer LATEST NEWSThis year’s parade also carried added significance for many along the route as the country approaches its 250th anniversary36 minutes agoOak Park celebrates Independence Day with parade, patriotism, community spiritRead full article: Oak Park celebrates Independence Day with parade, patriotism, community spiritNo suspect in custody56 minutes agoDearborn police describe what led to fatal shooting, leaving 2 dead, 1 injured inside Fairlane Mall Read full article: Dearborn police describe what led to fatal shooting, leaving 2 dead, 1 injured inside Fairlane Mall No suspect in custody2 dead, 1 injured after shooting at Fairlane Town Center in DearbornRead full article: 2 dead, 1 injured after shooting at Fairlane Town Center in DearbornSevere weather is possible in Metro Detroit on Friday, July 3, as extreme heat and storms move through the region.5 minutes agoList of active weather alerts as severe weather moves through Southeast MichiganRead full article: List of active weather alerts as severe weather moves through Southeast MichiganLocal NewsWhat is cyclosporiasis? Know the signs, prevention as Michigan health officials investigate outbreakOver 300 cases reported in MichiganSamantha Sayles, Senior Digital Producer Michigan health officials are investigating an outbreak of cyclosporiasis after at least 300 cases were reported across the state within days. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are actively investigating the potential source of the “large and growing outbreak” of cases confirmed in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson and Livingston counties. Health officials also reported 24 cases across 11 other Michigan counties, including in the city of Detroit. Typically, Michigan only gets around 50 cases per year. On July 1, MDHHS reported there were at least 170 cases. On Thursday, the number of cases jumped to at least 300. Read more --> Michigan health officials warn of ‘large and growing outbreak’ of cyclosporiasis The age range of individuals who were diagnosed with the illness ranges from 8 years old to 84 years old, with a median age of 41, according to MDHHS. Health officials are working to determine the common exposure of the outbreak in Michigan. Here’s what to know about cyclosporiasis: Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite and infects the small intestine. Healthcare providers can diagnose the illness by testing a stool sample. If infected with cyclosporiasis, people may experience watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. The illness can last from a few days to over a month if the illness is not treated. Symptoms could relapse. The timeframe from becoming infected to becoming sick usually takes about one week but can range from two days to two weeks or more. In the US, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce. People can get infected with Cyclospora more than once. Anyone who experiences symptoms of cyclosporiasis should see their healthcare provider. The illness can spread when people eat food or drink water that was contaminated with feces. The CDC said it can take at least one or two weeks outside the body for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement, making direct person-to-person transmission unlikely. According to the CDC, people can prevent infection by avoiding food or water that may contain feces and by following food safety recommendations for safe preparation and storage. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating. Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Samantha Sayles is an Oakland University alumna who’s been writing Michigan news since 2022. Before joining the ClickOnDetroit team, she wrote stories for WILX in Lansing and WEYI in Flint. Previous videoNext video