Washtenaw County continues to see a significant number of cases associated with the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting communities across Michigan. According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, as of July 16 at 3 p.m., 500 cases have been reported in Washtenaw County, with 25 hospitalizations. Statewide, as of July 20 there have been 6,148 reported cases and 102 hospitalizations.

Investigations by the CDC and FDA have tracked a potential source to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, both sold at retail locations and served at Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taylor Farms are voluntarily recalling all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, which includes Marketside-brand product available at Walmart. See the full information on all Taylor Farms recalled products.

This investigation is ongoing and more information will provided by the CDC and FDA as it becomes available.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms typically develop several days to two weeks after exposure and may include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Weight loss

The illness can last for days or even weeks if left untreated.

What To Do If You Have Symptoms

If you are experiencing ongoing diarrhea or other symptoms of cyclosporiasis:

✅ Contact your healthcare provider. Packard Health is here to help. Contact Packard Health for evaluation and treatment recommendations: 734-971-1073

✅ Antibiotic treatment is effective. The recommended treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).

✅ Rest and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration, especially if symptoms are severe.

Food Safety Recommendations

Because lettuce and salad greens remain a focus of the investigation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends taking extra precautions when purchasing and preparing produce.

Support Local Farms

This outbreak is a reminder of the value of knowing where your food comes from. When possible, consider purchasing produce from local farmers markets and small farms. Local growers often offer greater transparency about growing practices and provide an opportunity to ask questions directly about how produce is grown, harvested, and handled.

Supporting local agriculture also helps strengthen our regional food system and the small businesses that help keep our communities healthy.

Up-To-Date Information

For more information about the outbreak visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website for the latest updates:

• Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Information
• MDHHS Press Release, July 13 (available in multiple languages)

The post Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Update: What Washtenaw County Residents Need to Know appeared first on Packard Health.

Residents across Washtenaw County are experiencing dangerous air quality as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to affect Michigan. State air quality officials have placed the entire state in the Hazardous air quality category because of high levels of fine particle pollution carried south by wildfire smoke. The air quality may have improved slightly since Thursday, but these dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. Exposure to smoke can affect anyone, but it can be especially harmful for people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.

What Does “Hazardous” Air Quality Mean?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to show how outdoor air quality may affect your health. A hazardous AQI means the air is unhealthy for everyone and can increase the risk of serious health problems.

Before spending time outside, check the current air quality in your area:

👉 Check the AQI at AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/

How Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Health

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can travel deep into your lungs and enter your bloodstream. Exposure may cause:

• Coughing or a sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Chest discomfort

People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions may notice their symptoms get worse.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stay Indoors When Possible
  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use air conditioning if available.
  • Avoid activities that can make indoor air worse, such as smoking, burning candles, or using aerosol sprays.
    

• Improve Indoor Air Quality
  • Use an air purifier if you have one.
  • Use high-efficiency air filters in your HVAC system when possible.
  • Consider building a DIY air cleaner using EPA guidance.
    

• Limit Outdoor Activities
  • Move exercise, sports, and other activities indoors when possible.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Limit time outside, especially when air quality levels are at their worst.
    

• Take Extra Care of Sensitive Groups
  • Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung disease are more likely to experience health effects from wildfire smoke. These groups should take extra precautions and stay in clean indoor air whenever possible.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Packard Health or your healthcare provider if smoke exposure is making it harder to manage a chronic condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Severe or constant coughing
• Dizziness
• Confusion or changes in awareness

These symptoms may be signs of a serious health problem.

Stay Informed

Air quality can change quickly as weather patterns shift and wildfire smoke moves across the region. Packard Health encourages everyone in Washtenaw County to monitor AQI levels regularly and take steps to reduce smoke exposure.

By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family while the smoke affects our community.

The post Air Quality Alerts and Wildfire Smoke: Steps to Protect Your Health appeared first on Packard Health.