CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK
The Michigan department of Health and Human Services, along with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the CDC are currently investigating and monitoring an active outbreak of cyclosporiasis across Michigan and other states, including Ohio.
What is cyclosporiasis and how is it contracted?
- It is a parasitic infection which is spread via water, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and herbs contaminated with feces.
- Outbreaks are more frequently noted during the spring and summer months.
- Person to person transmission is rare and unlikely.
How can you protect yourself and others?
- Wash hands with soap & water before & after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before cutting, cooking, or eating.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
How are we minimizing the risk to our residents?
- Providing employee education on food safety, emphasizing the proper handling, storage, and preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Modifying our menu options and providing alternatives.
- Encouraging visitors to consider refraining from bringing in fresh fruits and vegetables during the outbreak or follow safe handling practices as listed above.
- Ongoing correspondence with food vendors.
- Monitoring outbreak status as well as state and federal guidance.
Resources for additional information:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/07/01/cyclosporiasis
https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/index.html