Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 7, 2026
Over 500 people are sickened with a Cyclospora outbreak in Michigan! Cases have been rapidly increasing daily, with no specific source. A national, multistate outbreak with a fraction of the illnesses may be connected to this situation, but more information is needed.
How was the problem discovered? What exactly is Cyclospora and how do you get it? How do you know if you have Cyclospora and what should you do if you get sick?
Initial reports of Cyclospora illness with unknown cause were reported with 170 sick individuals with the parasitic infection. To put this into perspective, Michigan typically only sees 50 cases a year. Within nine days, cases in this outbreak surpassed the state’s baseline by more than three-fold. Raising concerns.
Most cases came from Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston counties, with the largest increase in cases occurring in Southeast Michigan.
According to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, by July 4, 2026, 572 people were infected.
The investigation is ongoing.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working with local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to track this outbreak and its source.
At least 17 states are reporting genetically similar Cyclospora illnesses. So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has tracked 145 illnesses and 20 hospitalizations to this outbreak.
Cases from Michigan are not included in these statistics.
The CDC is still working to identify a source.
The source of this Cyclospora outbreak in Michigan has not been confirmed. However, previous outbreaks in the United States and Canada have been linked to certain fruits and vegetables.
Previous outbreaks include:
In a public health alert, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges food service businesses like restaurants and commercial kitchens to reduce risks of exposure.
This includes things like opting for whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged, or salad mixes. Washing cilantro and basil thoroughly under running water (while separating the leaves). Trimming green onion roots and removing the outer layer and washing thoroughly under running water. Snow pea surfaces should be rubbed while washing under running water.
These vegetables are safest when cooked.
Raspberries surfaces make them “especially hard to clean,” allowing the parasite to hide within the crevices. Consider frozen raspberries or cooking them to reduce risk of exposure.
Cyclospora, is a microscopic organism that can cause human illness. It is contracted after eating or drinking something contaminated with it. Unlike most other foodborne pathogens, this one is not a bacteria or virus.
Cyclospora is a parasite.
As a parasite, it requires a host to survive.
This parasite uses the human body to incubate and reproduce, creating an environment suitable to transmit its progeny to the next step in its life cycle.
Humans are the only known host for Cyclospora parasites. No other animal appears susceptible to this infection.
Fortunately, however, infections between humans are not contagious. This is due to the distinct conditions needed in the parasite’s life cycle.
Cyclospora require two distinct environments to become infectious. It is the reason that direct person-to-person infection is rare.
One requires the environmental conditions inside the host (human) digestive system. The other requires specific conditions outside of the host body in the environment. This is due to the protective spore covering that forms over the germ.
Here’s how that works!
The host phase of the Cyclospora life cycle begins when an unknowing person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the parasite in the appropriate phase of its life cycle. These tiny parasites find their way to the small intestine. The path to that sanctuary is acidic and dangerous for the organism. Which is where the protective spore coat comes in.
Once it reaches its destination, conditions improve. Cyclospora begin to shed that shell and reproduce. Here, the organism, now in oocyst mode, invades the epithelial cells in the intestinal walls.
This is where they undergo a reproductive process that ends in the creation of un-sporulated oocysts. These un-sporulated oocysts release into the feces (poop) resulting in watery diarrhea. This watery diarrhea moves these oocysts to the next phase of their life cycle.
Once outside of the human body, Cyclospora enter the environmental phase. This phase requires very specific environmental conditions not available inside the host body.
Un-sporulated oocysts require around seven to 15 days at a temperature of 73° F to 77° F for sporulation to occur. Once sporulated, the parasite becomes infectious again.
All it takes is for a small amount of these sporulated Cyclospora parasites to contaminate fresh produce or water and become ingested by a human host for the cycle to start again.
So, how do you know if you have a Cyclospora infection?
The only way to know for sure if your illness is caused by Cyclospora parasites is specialized laboratory testing. However, there are a few commonly associated symptoms to look for in a Cyclospora illness.
The most commonly associated symptom with Cyclospora illness is watery diarrhea, with “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.” The other is fatigue. Most people with Cyclospora infections report feeling very tired. Or more tired than usual.
Other symptoms may include:
Some people who are infected with Cyclospora parasites do not experience any symptoms at all. For those that do, on the other hand, symptoms may appear to resolve. Only to return again and again.
These relapses are quite common with Cyclospora infections. Likely due to the nature of this parasite’s life cycle.
Without proper treatment, these relapses can continue for a long time.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises those experiencing symptoms to reach out to their health care provider and report their illness.
“People experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and ongoing diarrhea, are encouraged to contact their health care provider and reach out to their local health department.”
You should also stay hydrated. Cyclospora illnesses often result in dehydration. Reduce your risk of dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and replenishing electrolytes. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks until symptoms subside.
It is also a good idea to get advice from a Cyclospora Lawyer. An experienced Cyclospora lawyer can answer your questions, point you to resources, investigate your situation, and represent you as needed.
If you have been significantly impacted by a Cyclospora infection, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Cyclospora Lawyer that can help!
You want experienced representation, skilled at handling cases just like yours. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully recovered millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases, and they can help you too.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation. Get answers today!
By: Heather Can Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)