Explosive Diarrhea Bug Spreads: Michigan Hardest Hit

A parasitic infection causing "explosive diarrhea" is circulating across the United States, with Michigan being the most affected state. Known as Cyclospora, this parasite can lead to symptoms lasting over a month, including severe watery diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue.

Michigan's health department reported a significant increase in cases, with numbers nearly doubling in the past week to 572. The parasite has also been detected in Ohio, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Texas, among other states. Federal data indicates 177 cases in Ohio and 110 in North Carolina as of early July.

Investigations by health departments are underway to identify common sources of exposure, which in the past have included bagged salads, herbs, snow peas, green onions, and raspberries. While generally not life-threatening, Cyclosporiasis can lead to complications like profound dehydration, particularly in older individuals and those with weakened immune systems.

As of July 1, at least 20 hospitalizations have been recorded. The infected individuals ranged in age from five to 86, with a majority being female. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that these individuals became ill after consuming food within the United States and had no recent travel history. Public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases across multiple states, though no single multi-state outbreak has been confirmed.