Michigan health officials have identified lettuce and salad greens as a likely source of an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, prompting public health warnings about the consumption of certain fresh produce. The outbreak involves the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, a microscopic organism that causes prolonged gastrointestinal illness in those infected.

Cyclosporiasis symptoms typically include watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue. The illness can last weeks or months if left untreated, though it responds to the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Health officials note that the parasite cannot be spread directly from person to person.

The parasite is commonly associated with fresh produce imported from regions where it is endemic, and outbreaks in the United States have historically been tied to items such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, and various types of lettuce. Officials have not yet identified a specific brand or distribution chain linked to the current Michigan cases, and the investigation remains active.

Health authorities are urging consumers to wash all fresh produce thoroughly, though experts caution that standard washing may not fully eliminate Cyclospora. People experiencing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms are being encouraged to seek medical attention and request testing specifically for the parasite, as it is not detected in standard stool tests.

The outbreak adds to a pattern of recurring Cyclospora contamination events in the United States that public health experts say underscores ongoing challenges in produce safety and supply chain oversight. Officials continue to investigate the scope of the outbreak and whether additional cases have been reported beyond Michigan.