Explosive diarrhea parasite cases up over 400% in a week in hardest-hit state as experts still search for source

Cases of a parasite that can cause explosive diarrhea have quickly quadrupled in Michigan, skyrocketing to 681 people on Monday — which is up rom 170 cases in the state less than a week ago.As of the most recent reported numbers, Michigan is by far the hardest-hit state.New York, Illinois, and Texas also reported a concerning number of cases (between 11 and 80), according to the CDC — which only has data up to mid-June.

Michigan, meanwhile, has more up-to-date state reporting.Folks who get infected may not experience any symptoms at all, though dramatic cases involve watery, “explosive” diarrhea, the CDC said.While cyclosporiasis is usually contracted through contaminated food like produce, experts have yet to identify a specific source of the current outbreak.For those who do get sick, identifying the infection as cyclosporiasis can be difficult.

It requires special lab tests looking specifically for cyclospora — which are not part of a standard stool test.It’s another reason it’s possible many cases are going undiagnosed.Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that’s commonly transmitted by drinking water or eating raw produce like basil, cilantro, and lettuce, that was contaminated with feces.Though we know the parasite hitches a ride on raw food, we don’t know which ones might be to blame.

The CDC says cases haven’t been linked to a common source and are still investigating.The cyclospora parasite causes cyclosporiasis, which can cause diarrhea, severe cramping, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.Normally, this isn’t life-threatening.But severe diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration, which is dangerous if left untreated, especially in young children, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised.Alaska, Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida were also reporting cases in June.In the CDC’s June 16 report, 145 cases were reported...