Michigan health officials have identified lettuce and salad greens as a “potential source” of a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak that has infected more than 2,800 people. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reports that while the investigation is ongoing, early findings point to leafy produce, though no specific supplier or grower has been confirmed. The infection, caused by the parasite cyclosporiasis, leads to severe watery diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
Outbreak Scope and Current Federal Data
The scale of the outbreak varies significantly by region. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 843 confirmed cases and 1,500 suspected cases across 31 states. Michigan is reporting 2,640 cases, while Ohio health officials have documented 177 cases.
Federal officials note that case counts are expected to rise due to the nature of disease reporting. Cyclospora has a two-week incubation period, and the CDC accounts for a six-week lag between the onset of illness and the official reporting of a case. To date, 86 people have required hospitalization, though no deaths have been linked to this outbreak.
Did you know?
Because of the long incubation period, epidemiologists often interview patients weeks after they consumed the contaminated food. This makes it challenging for patients to accurately recall specific meals or shopping trips, complicating the traceback process.
Impact of Reduced Public Health Funding
The current outbreak has drawn scrutiny to recent federal funding cuts and changes to surveillance programs. Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, describes the investigation as a “puzzle” where critical pieces have been removed due to reduced resources.
In March 2025, the Trump administration cut $11.4bn in grants to state and local health departments. While these funds were originally earmarked for pandemic-related activities, they also supported the baseline capacity of local labs. For instance, Michigan public health labs saw a loss of $5.5m in funding. Kowalcyk notes that these cuts often force staff to move to part-time status or reduce teams, limiting the ability of departments to scale up operations during a foodborne illness surge.
Changes to FoodNet Surveillance
In July 2025, the scope of FoodNet—a program designed to monitor foodborne pathogens—was narrowed significantly. Previously, the program tracked eight different pathogens, including cyclospora. Under the current administration, its remit has been reduced to focus only on salmonella and shiga toxin-producing E coli.
The administration has defended this move as a way to reduce duplicative work, stating that the surveillance landscape has evolved since the program’s inception in 1995. However, critics like Gail Hansen, a public health and veterinary consultant, argue that the change prevents states from effectively coordinating data across borders. According to HHS senior press secretary Emily Hilliard, the FDA remains actively involved in the investigation, coordinating with the CDC and local partners to maintain food safety oversight.
Pro Tip: Reducing Your Risk
Michigan health officials recommend that commercial kitchens and households in the south-east thoroughly wash leafy greens, snow peas, herbs, and raspberries. When buying lettuce, opt for whole heads rather than pre-bagged greens. Remove and discard the outermost leaves, then wash the remaining inner leaves thoroughly. When possible, cooking produce is the most effective way to eliminate the parasite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
The infection typically causes watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and significant weight loss. Symptoms can appear about two weeks after ingesting the parasite.
Is there a specific brand or store linked to the outbreak?
No. According to the MDHHS, investigators have not identified a specific grower, supplier, or type of produce as the source of the contamination.
Why does it take so long to identify the source of foodborne illnesses?
The long, two-week incubation period of cyclospora creates a reporting lag. By the time a case is identified and interviewed, patients often struggle to remember what they ate weeks prior, making it difficult to find common shopping or dining links.
Is the food supply safe?
The FDA maintains that it has the expertise and resources necessary to investigate outbreaks. While surveillance systems have changed, the agency continues to work with state and local partners to track foodborne pathogens.
Have you been affected by recent food safety alerts in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on public health investigations.
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