The article argues that the current, worst-ever cyclosporiasis outbreak, dubbed the “MAHA Trots,” is a direct consequence of the systematic dismantling of American state capacity, particularly concerning food safety infrastructure, under the Trump administration. This includes dissolving advisory committees, significant staff losses within the USDA, CDC, and FDA, and a reduction in monitored pathogens, leading to a lack of crucial food safety inspections and outbreak monitoring. The author contends that these actions, combined with those of Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy, have weakened the government’s ability to prevent and respond to public health crises, leaving the nation vulnerable to preventable disasters.
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Michigan investigators are zeroing in on lettuce and salad greens as potential sources for a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak that has infected over 2,600 people in the state. While no definitive product has been identified, early findings consistently point to these greens. Health officials recommend precautions such as avoiding pre-packaged greens, thoroughly washing all produce, and prioritizing cooking to mitigate infection risk. Previous outbreaks have also been linked to various fresh produce items.
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An unusually high number of cyclosporiasis infections, caused by a microscopic parasite found in contaminated water and unwashed produce, have been confirmed in Michigan and Illinois, affecting nearly 700 individuals. Symptoms typically begin with diarrhea and can escalate to include appetite loss, bloating, nausea, cramping, and fatigue, with a significant portion of those affected being women. While no fatalities have been reported, 20 individuals have required hospitalization, prompting health officials to advise those experiencing persistent diarrhea to seek medical attention and report widespread family illness.
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State health officials in Michigan and Ohio are reporting thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing significant gastrointestinal distress. This outbreak, exceeding 2,800 cases, follows funding cuts to state and local health departments and a reduction in a program dedicated to coordinating foodborne illness information. Experts suggest these actions have hindered the ability to effectively track and manage such outbreaks, making it more challenging to “see the whole picture.” While the CDC is tracking cases across multiple states, Michigan is particularly hard-hit, with health departments advising thorough washing or cooking of certain produce. The investigation into this outbreak is complicated by the parasite’s long incubation period and typical reporting delays, which are believed to be exacerbated by diminished public health capacity.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced its foodborne illness surveillance program, FoodNet, from monitoring eight pathogens to two, a year before a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis occurred. This reduction, which made monitoring specific pathogens optional, took place as cyclospora infections surged across the U.S., with states like Michigan reporting hundreds of cases. Concurrently, the CDC dissolved its Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, which had previously handled work on such infections, leading to a reallocation of staff and responsibilities within the agency. Investigators are actively working to identify the source of the current cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has affected at least 18 states, though a definitive link to a specific food product has not yet been established.
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John Q. Hosedrinker