Amid rising Cyclospora cases, Michigan health officials have discovered the “potential source” of the parasitic outbreak that has sickened more than 3,000 people.
The Michigan State Department of Health released an update Monday, July 13, saying it has identified the “potential source” of lettuce-related cyclosporosis.
The statement added that amid the ongoing investigation, initial findings “indicate that lettuce or salad greens are a potential source of this outbreak.”
Although authorities have not ruled out other food sources for this parasitic infection which causes ‘watery diarrhea’, loss of appetite and weight loss.
“No specific type of product, producer or supplier has been identified as a source,” the statement added.
So far, more than 2,800 cases of cyclosporosis parasitic infection have been reported in 31 U.S. states, according to ABC News.
On the contrary, on Friday, July 10, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis and 1,500 suspected cases in 31 states as of Friday, July 10.
CDC officials expect a federal surge in cases, in part because of delays in investigating the outbreak.
The total number of cases of the parasitic infection cyclosporosis has reached 2,640, according to the Michigan Department of Health.
The national disease control and prevention agency, the CDC, first identified large outbreaks of cyclosporosis in early May.
The parasitic outbreak, cyclosporosis, has been linked to various types of raw produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce and cilantro, according to the CDC.
