Michigan Health Department Investigates Over 900 Cyclosporiasis Cases Amid Funding Challenges

The Washtenaw County Health Department in Michigan is actively investigating more than 900 cases of cyclosporiasis since mid-June, a foodborne illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. Public health nurses are conducting detailed interviews to trace the sources, a complex task exacerbated by federal funding cuts that have impacted disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can take up to two weeks to appear, making investigations challenging.