Cyclosporiasis: The Stomach Bug Running Rampant in the Detroit Area This Summer

This July, we’ve seen a real jump in patients across our locations walking in with almost the same set of symptoms: diarrhea that’s stuck around for days, plus nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. When the same complaint shows up at sites all over the area at once, it usually isn’t a coincidence. In this case, a lot of it points to cyclosporiasis.

Because we’re seeing this every day right now across the whole network, our providers recognize the pattern quickly. That’s the advantage of coming to a group that’s tracking this in real time across the area.

What is cyclosporiasis?

It’s a stomach illness caused by a parasite too small to see. The name sounds worse than the reality. It spreads through contaminated food or water, often fresh produce, not person to person, so you won’t catch it at urgent care or pick it up from someone who has it. Even at home, if one person has it, the rest of the house isn’t going to catch it from them.

Symptoms to watch for

Here’s the pattern we keep seeing:

• Watery diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of days
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea, vomiting, or a lost appetite
• Fatigue, sometimes with a low-grade fever

Most run-of-the-mill stomach bugs clear up on their own in a day or two. This one tends to linger, which is usually the tip-off that it’s something else.

How Get Well can help

If you’ve been dealing with this, you don’t have to tough it out. Our providers can evaluate your symptoms and go over treatment options that make sense for your situation.

When to come in

If diarrhea, cramping, nausea, or vomiting has hung on for more than a day or two, stop by any Get Well Urgent Care location or check in online. The sooner we see you, the sooner we can help you get back on your feet.