TL/DR –
State health officials in Michigan and Ohio have reported thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes symptoms such as loss of appetite and weight loss. The outbreak came a year after funding cuts to state and local health departments by the Trump administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 843 confirmed cases and 1,500 suspected cases of cyclosporiasis across 31 states, with 86 hospitalizations.
Parasitic Infection Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in Michigan and Ohio
State health officials are reporting an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing symptoms like watery diarrhea and weight loss, in Michigan and Ohio. Over 2,800 cases have emerged a year after the Trump administration cut funding to local health departments and reduced the scope of a program dedicated to information on foodborne illnesses.
Food Safety and Nutrition Security Expert Comments
“It’s like a puzzle,” comments Barbara Kowalcyk, from George Washington University’s Institute for Public Health. “You start removing pieces and it’s harder to see the whole picture.”
CDC Report on Cyclosporiasis Cases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 843 confirmed and 1,500 suspected cases across 31 states. Michigan seems to be the hardest hit, with 2,640 cases reported. Neighboring Ohio has reported 177 cases.
Michigan Health Department Advice
Officials are urging restaurants and commercial kitchens to thoroughly wash or cook leafy greens, snow peas, certain herbs, and raspberries to prevent further spread of the infection.
Impact of Funding Cuts on Outbreak Investigation
Investigating the infection is complicated due to its two-week incubation period. On top of that, funding cuts have likely exacerbated delays. “Have the funding cuts impacted the current activities related to the cyclosporiasis outbreak? I think so,” Kowalcyk said.
Funding Cuts to Public Health
The Trump administration cut $11.4bn in grants in March 2025, affecting the capacity of local health departments. Michigan’s public health labs alone lost $5.5m.
Reduction of FoodNet’s Scope
In July 2025, the Trump administration also reduced the remit of FoodNet, a program that monitored foodborne outbreaks. FoodNet’s scope was reduced to only monitoring shiga toxin-producing E coli and salmonella. This has significantly affected the ability to coordinate information across states.
Foodborne Illness Statistics and Changes to Surveillance Systems
FoodNet developed the statistic that 48 million people in the US are sickened by foodborne illnesses each year, with 128,000 hospitalized and 3,000 deaths. However, the CDC claims that other surveillance systems now monitor for FoodNet pathogens.
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