Cyclospora outbreak hits 31 US states, CDC says

Cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in 31 US states, with Michigan reporting 1,562 cases as of Friday, health authorities said, as officials continue to look for the source of contamination.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that as of Thursday, 31 states had reported cases of the gastrointestinal illness, with dozens of hospitalizations and no deaths. The CDC listed 843 confirmed cases and said it was aware of 1,500 more that require further analysis.

The illness is caused by a microscopic foodborne parasite. Officials have not identified the source, though contamination generally stems from fresh produce. Delayed symptoms can make tracing the source difficult.

Health officials recommend thoroughly washing produce, and say cooking it above 158F, or 70C, kills the parasite. Untreated illness can last more than a month and can cause dehydration, though public health authorities describe it as generally not life-threatening.

The CDC said state reporting differences complicate the outbreak picture. Some states report confirmed and likely cases together, while others wait to report to the CDC until investigations are complete.