Cyclospora outbreak tops 1,200 cases in Michigan as US probe widens
What's new: New York City logged 273 infections and Ohio reported more than 360 as investigators still have not identified the source.
A cyclospora outbreak tied to an unknown food or water source has spread across parts of the United States, with Michigan reporting 1,251 cases as of July 9. Federal data previously showed 145 cases nationwide between May 1 and June 16, but state counts have risen sharply since then in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and New York City. Michigan usually sees about 50 cases a year, suggesting a common source in the current surge. The parasite causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis, which can bring prolonged watery diarrhea and, in some cases, hospitalization. The CDC and FDA are investigating the source. Some Taco Bell franchisees in Michigan stopped serving lettuce as a precaution, though no food item has been confirmed as the cause.