Oakland County residents now account for more than 1,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, the parasite illness tied to what investigators suspect is contaminated lettuce and salad greens.
The county recorded 1,043 cases as of Thursday, July 30, according to state health data reported by the Oakland Press. That makes Oakland the second-hardest-hit county in Michigan behind Wayne County, which reported 1,379 cases excluding Detroit. As of July 23, Oakland County had reported 710 cases.
As we reported July 26, Oakland County was already among the hardest hit. Statewide, Michigan health officials counted 10,386 confirmed infections on July 30, more than doubling the 5,002 reported on July 17. The state typically sees about 50 cyclosporiasis cases per year.
Hospitalizations climbed to 193, up from 160 the previous week. The outbreak has reached 71 of Michigan's 83 counties.
Testing shortages strain response
Some health systems have reported shortages in testing supplies, limiting tests to severely ill or immunocompromised patients, according to MLive. MDHHS spokesperson Lynn Sutfin said clinicians can still consider treatment for patients showing symptoms even without a confirmed test.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, said July 29 that labs are backed up and some systems have been "limiting tests to those who are severely ill, or those who are immunocompromised," according to the Detroit Free Press.
Oakland County's health department is handling the surge with just four communicable disease nurses and three epidemiologists, Reuters reported. During COVID, the department had 12 additional staff. Four nurses were let go this past spring.
Bagdasarian said hospital visits for diarrhea complaints are slowing, suggesting the outbreak may have peaked. But the CDC's cyclosporiasis season runs through August, and the agency estimates a six-week reporting lag between illness onset and confirmed case counts.
Two federal lawsuits filed
Two couples have filed separate federal lawsuits in Michigan's Eastern District, both claiming they became ill after eating at Taco Bell restaurants.
Preston and Marie Parrish of Durand in Shiawassee County filed suit Friday, July 17 against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell, alleging the produce supplier failed to take adequate food safety steps, according to the Detroit News. Their attorney's firm, OFT, says it represents more than 100 Michigan clients who have gotten sick.
Karl and Gina Hercula of Clinton Township filed Wednesday, July 22 after eating at the Taco Bell on Gratiot Avenue on June 21. Gina went to the emergency room after symptoms began Monday, July 6. Karl's symptoms started Friday, July 10. The suit alleges strict product liability, negligence, and violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
What Rochester-area residents should know
State health officials recommend avoiding pre-cut, pre-washed lettuce. Buy full heads, remove the outer three layers and any damaged leaves, then wash before serving. Cooking greens to at least 158°F kills the parasite.
Cyclospora is not detected by standard stool tests. Patients must specifically ask their doctor to order a modified acid-fast stain, UV microscopy, or PCR test. The illness is treatable with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (sold as Bactrim or Septra). Without treatment, symptoms can last weeks and may recur.
The Taylor Farms recall covers Marketside-brand Iceberg Salad (12 oz. and 24 oz.) and Shredded Lettuce (8 oz. and 16 oz.) sold at Walmart with best-if-used-by dates of July 18 through August 3.
MDHHS updates case counts daily Monday through Friday. The next weekly county-level update is expected Thursday, August 6.
