Intestinal parasite cases rise across US
Published On 11 Jul, 2026
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a single-celled parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can spread through contaminated food or water. Although usually not deadly, it can cause severe diarrhea and “sometimes explosive bowel movements,” as the CDC notes.
The CDC hasn’t updated its national case count since June 16, when 145 cases had been reported from 17 states, with no cases in Michigan at that time. By June 30, Michigan’s health department had reported 170 cases, and that number has continued to rise.
On July 4, Michigan officials announced that no specific fresh produce supplier had been connected to the outbreak. When asked for additional comments, officials chose not to elaborate beyond the initial statement.
The release also urged residents and restaurants in southeastern Michigan to follow certain precautions to prevent further spread of the illness. These measures included buying whole heads of lettuce instead of prewashed bags or salad mixes.
Additionally, the state recommended discarding the outer two or three layers of lettuce and washing the remaining leaves under running water before use.
