The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is advising residents travelling to Michigan to take extra precautions after a sharp rise in local cases of cyclosporiasis linked to cross-border travel. The health unit says 24 cases of the intestinal illness have been reported in Windsor-Essex so far in 2026, well above the region’s usual annual average of about three cases. Public health investigations have identified travel to Michigan as a common factor among many of the recent infections. “While the risk to the general public remains relatively low, the number of cases we are seeing in Windsor-Essex is higher than expected and appears to be associated with travel to Michigan,” Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, medical officer of health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, said in a statement. “Residents planning to travel across the border should be aware of the ongoing outbreak and take extra precautions when consuming fresh produce, particularly lettuce and salad greens.” The increase in local cases comes as Michigan continues to deal with a large cyclosporiasis outbreak. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reported more than 10,700 cases as of July 30. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. Symptoms typically appear about a week after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and a low-grade fever. According to the health unit, symptoms may last for days or weeks and can return if the illness is not treated. Health officials are urging anyone experiencing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to contact a health-care provider.
