MDH tracks parasite as U.S. cyclosporiasis cases surge
Minnesota health officials are tracking Cyclospora infections as U.S. cyclosporiasis cases surge, with thousands sick nationwide and dozens of cases already confirmed in the state.[1]
Public health labs have confirmed 41 infections in Minnesota since May 1, which the Minnesota Department of Health calls not unusual but concerning.[1] Cyclosporiasis has caused at least 6,000 illnesses in 34 U.S. states this year, including more than 3,000 in Michigan.
Cyclospora is typically contracted from contaminated food or water, often leafy greens, basil or berries.[1] Ordinary washing may not remove the parasite, while heat reliably kills it.[1]
The illness can cause weeks of severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and one Minnesotan has died from cyclosporiasis in the past 10 years.[1] Health officials urge anyone with prolonged diarrhea to see a doctor so they can be tested and treated.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Cyclosporiasis has caused at least 6,000 illnesses in 34 U.S. states this year, including more than 3,000 in Michigan.
- Minnesota has recorded 41 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, a level MDH calls not unusual but concerning enough to warrant close monitoring.
- Cyclospora is typically contracted from contaminated food or water—often leafy greens, basil or berries—and ordinary washing may not remove it, while heat reliably kills the parasite.
- The illness can cause weeks of severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting; one Minnesotan has died from cyclosporiasis in the past 10 years.
- Standard treatment is a 7–10 day antibiotic course, but people with sulfa allergies have fewer options, and untreated infections can persist for months.
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