Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to 14,277 reported cases, while the most recently reported count for Ingham County stands at 915, fourth-highest in the state, according to MDHHS data reported through Aug. 20.

The statewide total rose by 368 cases in one week. Two people have died in connection with the outbreak, and 335 people reported being hospitalized as of Aug. 20, up from 314 the week before. MDHHS has not released the ages or hometowns of those who died but said both had significant underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.

Michigan typically records about 50 cyclosporiasis cases per year. The current surge has produced more than 14,000 reported cases since late June.

Federal health officials have linked the broader outbreak to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico, as part of a multistate Cyclospora investigation spanning 17 states. The CDC's multistate case count, 10,930 as of Aug. 20, is smaller than Michigan's own statewide total, so MDHHS's tally likely includes cases beyond those specifically confirmed to trace back to the recalled lettuce.

Ingham County's position

Wayne County has the highest reported count at 2,029 cases, followed by Oakland County at 1,499 and Washtenaw County at 1,093. Ingham County's most recently reported total of 915 cases places it fourth.

Neighboring counties also have significant case totals, including Shiawassee County with 491, Eaton County with 417 and Clinton County with 247.

The Ingham County Health Department has been investigating laboratory-confirmed cases using surveys and phone calls to trace possible food sources and locations.

Deputy Health Officer Anne Barna told the State News on July 27 that investigators were looking across the state for patterns and trying to determine whether specific restaurants, stores or products could be connected to cases.

Outbreak slowing but not over

MDHHS said Aug. 6 that new case reports were declining.

The 368 cases added in the week ending Aug. 20 were substantially fewer than the roughly 1,500 cases added the previous week.

MDHHS Associate Public Information Officer Laina Stebbins said in an Aug. 14 email to the Lansing State Journal that state data suggested most exposures occurred in late June to early July and that most contaminated produce was likely no longer available for consumption.

MDHHS lifted its broad recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes on Aug. 6. Federal health officials have advised consumers not to eat recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce tied to the multistate investigation.

What residents should know

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is typically spread through contaminated food or water. It does not spread directly from person to person.

Symptoms can include frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Diagnosis generally requires a stool sample. The infection is commonly treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic combination.

MDHHS has been updating statewide case numbers weekly on Thursdays.

Residents who believe they may have cyclosporiasis can contact the Ingham County Health Department or their health care provider about testing.