The number of reported cyclosporiasis cases in the US state of Michigan has risen to 9,680, an increase of 427 in one day. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to local health authorities, 160 people had been hospitalized as of July 23. No deaths have been reported.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. Infection typically occurs after consuming contaminated raw fruits, vegetables, or water.
The main symptom is prolonged watery diarrhea. Infected individuals may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
An investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration linked some cases to shredded iceberg lettuce.
The product was supplied by Taylor Farms from a facility in central Mexico. The lettuce was used in Taco Bell fast-food restaurants.
Authorities continue to search for other possible sources of infection, as the outbreak's scale far exceeds the number of cases directly linked to the lettuce.
It is not yet known how many infected individuals contracted the illness after consuming Taylor Farms products.
Since the beginning of May, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases.
Additionally, the CDC is aware of more than 7,400 suspected cases in at least 41 states. These data require further verification.
The large discrepancy between federal statistics and state data is due to local authorities counting not only laboratory-confirmed cases but also probable ones.