Terrifying stomach bug outbreak explodes past 700 cases – 36 hospitalised | World | News
A severe stomach bug has infected more than 700 people in the US state of Michigan; Dozens of people were hospitalized as health officials scrambled to identify the source. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHS) has recorded more than 700 cases of cyclosporiasis since June 22, with 36 people requiring hospital treatment. Cases are rising every day, and officials warn the worst may not be over yet.
Corewell Health’s Director of Infectious Disease Research, Dr Matthew Sims, described it as one of the largest outbreaks the state has ever seen.
“This is one of the biggest events we have ever had in Michigan,” Dr. Sims added.
Last year, the state sent out just 36 tests for the parasite; none were positive. This year, 15 out of 26 tests have already come back positive, with more expected.
The outbreak has hit communities in at least 35 counties. Monroe County was the worst-hit area with 173 cases, followed by Washtenaw (95) and Lenawee (86).
Wayne County, which includes Detroit, has recorded 58 cases, including six in the city.
Health officials suspect contaminated produce is to blame, but no specific fruits, vegetables, growers or suppliers have yet been identified.
Past outbreaks have often been linked to packaged lettuce, basil and raspberries.
Detroit Health Department medical director Dr. Claudia Richardson urged residents to take extra precautions, advising: “I would rinse it well and soak it in water and vinegar.”
He emphasized that the disease does not pass from person to person and is caused by contaminated food or water.
Dr Richardson added: “Pay extra attention to the product during this period.”
Symptoms can be severe and often include prolonged diarrhea.
Doctors recommend seeing a GP if diarrhea persists for more than a day, dehydration occurs, or fever or blood appears in the stool. Antibiotics are available to treat infection.
MDHHS continues to investigate while urging anyone with severe gastrointestinal symptoms to contact their healthcare provider and local health department.
The data was last updated on July 6 and is expected to increase further.
