(INDIANA/OHIO/MICHIGAN) - The cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to grow across the region, with hundreds of cases now reported in Indiana and Ohio and thousands more in Michigan.
The Indiana Department of Health reported Tuesday that approximately 206 cases have been identified across the state.
In Ohio, the Department of Health reported 364 cases in 51 counties as of July 9, with 46 people hospitalized. That was up sharply from 177 cases in 43 counties just one week earlier. All but six of Ohio's cases occurred in June and July, most of them since June 20.
Michigan has also launched an online cyclosporiasis dashboard as cases there continue to climb, with 2,640 cases reported.
Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Symptoms usually begin two to 14 days after exposure and can include frequent or severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased gas and flu-like symptoms.
The illness is not usually life-threatening, but symptoms can be severe and may last for weeks if untreated.
Health officials have said tracing individual cases back to a specific source can be difficult, and investigations remain underway.
People should still thoroughly wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them, but washing can reduce rather than eliminate the risk from Cyclospora. The parasite can cling to produce, and routine washing or sanitizing does not reliably remove or kill it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also been investigating cases reported across multiple states and has warned that the true number of illnesses may be higher because thousands of additional reports still require testing and review.
People experiencing prolonged or severe symptoms are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.