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Early investigation results indicate lettuce or salad greens as possible source 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis with 2,640 cases reported as of Monday, July 13. While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out. No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source. 

“Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.” 

Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. It is often contracted by eating or drinking something contaminated with the parasite. Typically, Michigan only records 40 to 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually.  

MDHHS continues to work closely with local health departments to conduct in-depth interviews of individuals testing positive for cyclosporiasis, as well as with other state and federal partners to conduct traceback investigations. More than 1,000 interviews have than have been completed to date. 

Given the extent of the outbreak, the incubation period of up to two weeks for symptoms to develop after exposure and complex food distribution networks across the state and country, it will take some time for agencies to complete their investigation.   

Recreational water exposure, such as swimming in lakes, is not a recognized risk factor for cyclosporiasis and there is currently no evidence linking recreational water activities to this outbreak. While people should always avoid swallowing recreational water, foodborne exposure – particularly exposure to contaminated produce – remains the primary focus of this outbreak investigation. 

MDHHS recommends the following safe practices for all individuals serving, preparing, or consuming lettuce and salad greens in impacted counties, this includes restaurants and commercial kitchens. Because this is an active and evolving situation, these recommendations may change as more information becomes available. 

Focus on lettuce and salad greens 

Given early information and the historical link between cyclospora and pre-packaged salad greens, MDHHS recommends adopting the following lettuce-specific safety measures: 

• Purchase whole heads: Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits. 
• Discard outer layers: Before preparation, throw away the outer two to three layers of leaves. 
• Wash inner leaves: Thoroughly wash the remaining inner leaves under clean running water. 
• Prioritize cooking: For any greens that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158 F (70 C) is the safest option, as the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and washing alone cannot guarantee its removal. 

Previous outbreaks 

The following foods have been specifically linked to previous cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada: 

•          Bagged salad mixes and kits.  
•          Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves). 
•          Fresh basil. 
•          Raspberries. 
•          Snow peas. 
•          Green onions (scallions). 

General rules to reduce risk 

• Cook when possible. Heating food to 158 F (70 C) or higher kills cyclospora. 
• Peel produce. Peeling is highly effective for food items with removable skin as the parasite sits on the outer surface. 
• Wash all fresh produce. Wash under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it. “Pre-washed” does not guarantee safety and rewashing bagged lettuce is unlikely to remove cyclospora. While washing alone may not fully eliminate cyclospora, it enhances protection when combined with cooking or peeling. 

These recommendations are particularly important for people who have a higher risk of dehydration or weakened immune systems such as patients on chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, infants and young children and elderly people. 

If you do become ill  

People experiencing frequent, watery diarrhea are encouraged to contact their health care provider and specifically request testing for cyclospora as routine stool tests may miss the parasite. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. 

For more information, visit the MDHHS Infectious Disease Outbreaks web page. 

Additional information is also available at About Cyclosporiasis | Cyclosporiasis | CDC. 

(courtesy story)

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) celebrated the expansion of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center (EMHSTC), Hazardous Materials Training Unit Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by MSP and EMHSD leadership, first responders, industry leaders and the facility’s original founders.

“The expansion and modernization of this facility reflect the Michigan State Police's continued investment in ensuring first responders across Michigan and the nation have access to the highest-quality hazardous materials training and resources,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “By strengthening preparedness and response capabilities, this investment helps ensure responders are ready to protect Michigan communities before, during and after emergencies.

“For more than three decades, the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center has prepared hazardous materials responders with the knowledge and skills needed to protect Michigan communities,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “This expansion builds on that legacy by providing modern classrooms, upgraded technology and enhanced training environments that will support high-quality instruction and help meet the growing demand for years to come.”

Construction on the multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion project began in August 2025. Improvements include two modern classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and direct access to the training yard and garage, allowing instructors to seamlessly integrate classroom instruction with hands-on exercises. Three new conference rooms provide additional meeting and instructional space, including a flexible room that can be divided into separate areas or converted into classroom space as needed.

“The expansion of this training center is a tremendous step forward for hazardous materials training in Michigan,” said Wendy Galbreath, manager of the Hazardous Materials Training Unit at the MSP/EMHSD. “The additional space allows us to offer more training, conduct multiple classes at the same time, and better serve emergency responders across the state. As the Hazardous Materials Training Unit approaches its 35th anniversary this September, this expansion helps ensure we're ready to meet the growing demand well into the future.”

The expansion also added nine unisex restrooms and improved workspace accommodations for staff, ensuring all full-time employees have dedicated office space while creating a more efficient environment for instructors, support personnel and contract staff. Utilities such as sewer and electricity were upgraded, as well as the building’s HVAC system to better support air handling in the building.

Originally constructed in 1991 through a public-private partnership between Dow Chemical, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Chemistry Council and several private-sector partners, the EMHSTC is a cornerstone for hazardous materials and emergency response training with its unique 4-acre property including real railcars and tank cars and other real-life scenario training props.

(courtesy story)

EAST LANSING, Mich.  – Officiate Michigan Day 2026 will welcome more than 1,000 Michigan High School Athletic Association-registered game officials July 25 to DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, where they will receive knowledge and instruction from several high-profile voices headlined by recent National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Kari Seitz – a Brighton High School graduate – and one of television’s most recognizable rules analysts, Mike Pereira.

Officiate Michigan Day is designed to benefit officials with any level of experience, veteran to beginner. High-profile clinicians representing several sports and all levels including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, FIFA and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) will provide face-to-face training during four sport-specific breakout sessions throughout the conference.

Pereira, a past collegiate and NFL football official who also has served as the NFL’s vice president of officiating, will present the opening address at 9 a.m. He has provided his knowledge during FOX Sports football broadcasts since 2010, explaining rules scenarios on-air as situations unfold in-game.

Seitz, also a graduate of Michigan State University, refereed Women’s World Cups in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 and Olympics tournaments in 2004, 2008 and 2012, and will deliver the conference’s closing message. She’s currently the vice president of refereeing for U.S. Soccer and formerly served as FIFA’s heading of refereeing.

This will be the third Officiate Michigan Day, joining events in 2013 and 2018. OMD 2026 will accompany the annual National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Summit that will take place July 26-28, also at DeVos Place.

Officials may continue to register on the MHSAA Website at www.mhsaa.com/OMD. Cost is $50. Additional details, including the full lineup of speakers and clinicians, also is available at that link.

(courtesy story)