Kent County Confirms Cases of Cyclosporiasis; Reinforces Food Safety Precautions
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (July 10, 2026) — As cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, continue to rise across Michigan, the Kent County Health Department is reporting 10 cases among Kent County residents. Local case counts are preliminary and can change rapidly as investigations continue and new information becomes available.
"While the source of this outbreak remains under investigation, residents can take simple steps to reduce their risk of illness by practicing good food safety and seeking medical care if they experience prolonged diarrhea," said Dr. Adam London, Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department.
About Cyclosporiasis
People usually become infected with the parasite by consuming contaminated fresh produce or drinking contaminated water. Unlike many other gastrointestinal illnesses, Cyclospora is not typically spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms generally begin two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps or bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
Reducing Your Risk
Although not all cases can be prevented, residents can lower their risk by:
- Washing hands before preparing or eating food
- Rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
- Scrubbing firm produce, such as melons, with a clean produce brush
- Avoiding preparing food for others while experiencing diarrhea or other gastrointestinal illness
If You Become Sick
Anyone experiencing ongoing diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their health care provider for evaluation and testing. Individuals diagnosed with cyclosporiasis may be contacted by public health investigators to discuss foods they ate and places they visited before becoming ill. These interviews are an important part of identifying the source of the outbreak and helping prevent additional illnesses.
Residents can stay up to date on the ongoing investigation and current case information by visiting the MDHHS Infectious Disease Outbreaks website. To learn more about cyclosporiasis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
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