NOW PLAYING
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan’s outbreak of a parasitic illness that can cause “explosive” diarrhea may be linked to lettuce or salad greens, health officials say.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Monday said while other food items cannot be completely ruled out, results of an ongoing investigation “point to” lettuce or salad greens.
Health officials have not identified a specific produce, grower or supplier causing the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families,” MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said in a release. “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.”
Instead of buying pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits, officials are recommending buying whole heads of lettuce. Throw away the outer two to three layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves thoroughly. For greens that can be cooked, cook them at a temperature of at least 158 degrees, health officials say.
Michigan typically has around 50 cases cyclosporiasis annually. But an outbreak that started near the end of June has grown to 2,640 cases statewide, including more than 40 hospitalizations, MDHHS says.
Health officials are also reporting cases across the country, including in other Midwest states.
Dr. Ambreen Malik, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan Health Sparrow, said the prolonged incubation period — it typically takes one to two weeks to develop symptoms — and the country’s vast food distribution network made it a challenge for officials to determine a cause.
“We get food produced from all over the United States, including outside of the United States. So it’s really challenging to pinpoint which fresh produce is causing the disease,” she said.
Health officials say cyclosporiasis is caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is typically spread by food or water contaminated with feces and does not usually spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links American foodborne outbreaks to different types of fresh produce, including basil, cilantro and raspberries.
The cyclosporiasis parasite. (Centers for Disease Control) According to the CDC, those infected may or may not experience symptoms, which usually cause watery diarrhea with “frequent and sometimes explosive” bowel movements. Health officials say other symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Diagnosis requires a stool sample, and treatment is possible via antibiotics.
Officials say it’s important to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a clean produce brush, and cut away any damaged or bruised areas on produce before preparing and eating. Any cut, peeled or cooked produce should be refrigerated as soon as possible.
— 6 News Reporter Taryn Simmons contributed to this report.
Add as preferred source on Google Tags cyclosporiasis Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Lettuce or Salad GreensCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore Healthcare News
See All
Healthcare HHS watchdog expects $5.56 billion in recoveries and savings by Nathaniel Weixel 4 hours ago Healthcare / 4 hours ago 
