said Dr. Matthew Sims, director of infectious diseases research at Corewell Health in Royal Oak, Michigan.
State health representatives continue to issue warnings regarding food preparation safety, urging citizens to take preventative measures against summer infections.
"Anyone experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and ongoing diarrhea, should contact their health care provider and their local health department," said Lynn Sutfin, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson.
New York health authorities clarified that the infection does not transmit directly between individuals and is manageable with proper care.
"While cyclosporiasis is not likely to spread directly from one person to another, and is generally not life-threatening, as many people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment, the Department encourages all New Yorkers to be aware of the best practices to prevent Cyclospora and other infections common in the summer months," said Marissa Crary, New York State Department of Health spokesperson.
Illinois health representatives confirmed they are collaborating with federal networks to analyze the unusual caseload trends.
"IDPH is seeing a higher-than-average number of reported cases of cyclosporiasis, consistent with what is being seen in several other states," said Matthew Mata, Illinois Department of Public Health spokesperson, noting that investigations into local transmissions remain ongoing.
"At this point, no single source or cause of this increase has been identified, and there is no evidence of a large outbreak accounting for all or most of these cases.
IDPH continues to work with the CDC and other public health partners to look for trends," said Matthew Mata.
>>> US Navy Identifies Missing Helicopter Commander in Arabian Sea
Public health guidelines recommend scrubbing firm produce, keeping prepared items refrigerated, and cooking food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit to successfully kill the parasite.
