Antwerp Native Featured in National Coverage of Record Cyclospora Outbreak

An Antwerp native and northwest Ohio physician was recently featured in national news coverage of the nation’s largest recorded outbreak of cyclosporiasis.

Dr. Joel Kammeyer, the son of Bob and Patti Kammeyer formerly of Antwerp, was interviewed by the Associated Press following the announcement that two Michigan residents had died after contracting cyclosporiasis. The illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, has sickened more than 20,000 people nationwide, making it the largest outbreak of its kind ever recorded in the United States. The Associated Press story was carried by media outlets across the country, including CBS News.  

Kammeyer recently joined Wayne State University School of Medicine as Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Division Chief of Infectious Diseases, where he also serves patients through the Detroit Medical Center. Although based in Michigan, much of his clinical practice continues to include northwest Ohio through ProMedica hospitals, including Toledo, Defiance, Fostoria, Adrian and other communities.  

In the Associated Press interview, Kammeyer described the deaths as “a tragedy,” while noting that the illness is generally treatable in otherwise healthy individuals. He explained that patients with significant underlying medical conditions are more vulnerable to complications, particularly severe dehydration caused by prolonged diarrhea.  

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Most people recover with proper treatment, but older adults and those with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness. Health officials continue to investigate the outbreak, with contaminated lettuce identified as a likely source for many of the cases.  

For area residents, the story also serves as a reminder that one of Antwerp’s own is playing a prominent role in addressing public health concerns affecting Michigan, Ohio and beyond.