Michigan's health department reported 14,277 cases linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak on Thursday, up 368 from its previous update a week earlier, an increase of nearly 3%.

The department has previously said the increase largely reflected a backlog in processing reports and that new case reports continue to come in.

This latest update comes as health officials monitor the spread of the parasitic infection, which is typically associated with contaminated fresh produce. Officials have emphasized that the rise in numbers stems primarily from administrative delays rather than a sudden surge in new infections.

The previous weekly update had placed the total at 13,909 cases. With the addition of 368 more, the cumulative count now stands at 14,277. Health authorities continue to urge residents to follow safe food handling practices while the investigation into the source of the outbreak remains ongoing.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and can lead to prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been tracking the cases closely and providing regular updates to the public.

Residents are advised to wash produce thoroughly and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. The department continues to work with federal partners to identify the precise source of contamination.

Further updates are expected in the coming weeks as additional reports are processed and analyzed.