‘Explosive diarrhea parasite’ sickens 170 in Michigan, hospitalizes at least 20 nationwide

Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes “explosive” watery diarrhea, has sickened dozens of people in Michigan and other parts of the United States.

Cyclosporiasis, a nasty parasitic infection that causes “explosive” watery diarrhea, has sickened dozens of people in Michigan and other parts of the United States.

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Cases of the gastrointestinal illness, caused by a parasite that spreads through contaminated food, have been on the rise in multiple states since May, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 20 people have been hospitalized nationwide so far.

The CDC is working to identify potential sources of the parasitic infection, which is commonly linked to fresh produce.