Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
The Genesee County Health Department is updating residents on the status of the outbreak of cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan and in Genesee County. As of July 4, 2026 over 570 cases had been detected in Michigan, primarily in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson Oakland and Livingston counties.
In Genesee County, 11 cases had been identified as of July 7, 2026.
No specific outbreak source has been detected at this time. Epidemiologists and other state and local health department officials are currently gathering information and analyzing data to find the source of the outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. The main symptom of infection is frequent, watery, explosive diarrhea; other symptoms can include nausea, loss of appetite, cramping or intestinal pain, bloating, weight loss, vomiting and fatigue. Symptoms can appear anywhere from two days to two or more weeks after exposure, but in most cases, symptoms occur within one week of exposure.
Cyclospora exposure happens when someone consumes food or water that has been contaminated by the parasite. Outbreaks are commonly caused by contamination of fresh produce (fruits and vegetables). Cyclospora does not typically spread from person-to-person contact.
The source of the current outbreak is currently unknown; however the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has provided a list of foods that have been linked to previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States and Canada:
- • Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red
cabbage, carrots)
• Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
• Fresh basil
• Raspberries
• Snow peas - Green onions (scallions)
The Genesee County Health Department recommends the following actions in response to this outbreak:
• Wash all fresh produce under clean running water; scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a clean produce brush.
• Cook food when possible, as heating food to 158°F (70°C) kills Cyclospora.
• Seek medical care if you begin to experience symptoms of cyclosporiasis.
• Contact the Genesee County Health Department if you have questions or concerns about cyclosporiasis and this outbreak. The GCHD Communicable Disease program can be reached via phone at 810-257-1017, or via email at GCHD-CD@geneseecountymi.gov.
For more information from MDHHS on this outbreak and additional food safety information, see the July 4 Genesee County Health Department Press Release at this link: MDHHS makes recommendations on preventing foodborne illness amid growing cyclosporiasis outbreak (michigan.gov)
Learn more about communicable disease reporting by visiting our webpage:
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/departments/health_department/programs/disease/index.php.
For more information about cyclosporiasis, visit the CDC’s cyclosporiasis
webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/index.html.
