(NewsNation) — The cyclospora outbreak continues to be a point of concern for health professionals, with one former CDC director saying people should now be cautious about more than just lettuce.

Michigan health officials noted Monday there are 9,253 cases in the state and 160 residents were hospitalized as of last week. The disease has been linked to other states in the Midwest, with a record number of cases being reported.

The CDC has documented more than 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, and state records suggest the total number of cases has increased to nearly 12,000.

 How could cyclospora get into the food supply? 

Recently, a second separate cyclospora outbreak, with no known origin, has sickened 72 people as of last week.

Robert Redfield told "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" there's a risk to the public right now with fresh produce and where it's purchased. He specifically pointed out internationally sourced produce as an issue.

"If you look historically at the outbreaks we've had in the United States, they've really come from produce that was sourced outside of the continental United States," he said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration linked the first outbreak to distributor Taylor Farms, which sources its lettuce from central Mexico.

Taylor Farms also voluntarily recalled products distributed across 27 states and sold to Taco Bell. Officials have added they believe parsley and cilantro are linked to the outbreak, along with lettuce.

 FDA investigating second cyclospora outbreak of 72 cases 

Redfield notes it's a good thing the recalls are occurring.

"I think there have been some serious attempts to stop sourcing from central Mexico right now," he added.

Redfield expanded on the sources of the outbreak, agreeing with Scott Gottlieb, the former commissioner of the FDA, that there's one yet to be identified.

 Positive Cyclospora test linked to lettuce was false alarm: FDA 

Gottlieb acknowledged he doesn't feel the outbreak is fully under control because there are questions about possible regions besides central Mexico responsible for the issue.

The Hill contributed to this report.

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