Two people in Michigan have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The department announced the deaths on Monday and said both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
The identities of the individuals were not released. State officials also said that no additional information would be provided about the two cases.
The health department noted that fatalities linked to the illness are rare in the United States. In its statement, the agency said: “Cyclosporiasis is generally not a life-threatening illness. Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States.”
Outbreak Totals Continue to Increase Across Michigan
Michigan health officials reported 11,234 cases linked to the outbreak, an increase of 461 cases since the department’s previous update on Friday.
According to the department’s latest update, issued on July 30, the outbreak has resulted in 193 hospitalizations. More than 11,000 cases of the foodborne illness have been confirmed in the state since early May.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite. The illness can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said Cyclospora, a parasite found in human feces that causes cyclosporiasis, can lead to dehydration because of fluid loss through severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Schaffner also said the illness is often treated with Bactrim, although many people with healthy immune systems recover on their own. He added that he was curious about the ages of the two patients because immune systems can weaken with age.
National Case Numbers Also Rising
Cases of cyclosporiasis have risen steadily across the United States in recent months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of July 28, the CDC had recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide. The agency also reported more than 11,500 additional suspected cases that were awaiting confirmation or further investigation.
The deaths in Michigan come during what the CDC described as an unusually severe cyclosporiasis season, with cases reported in 45 states.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Lettuce Supply Identified in Multi-State Outbreaks
Outbreaks in Michigan and nine other states have been linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. According to the information provided, the lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico.
Last month, Taylor Farms de Mexico issued a voluntary recall covering all iceberg lettuce supplied from central Mexico.
State health officials have not released any further details regarding the two Michigan deaths beyond the information contained in Monday’s announcement.
Michigan is reporting a significant Cyclosporiasis outbreak, with cases exceeding 11,000 and two reported deaths. The development has increased attention on food safety, disease surveillance, and public health preparedness.
The scale of the Cyclosporiasis outbreak highlights the challenges public health authorities face when investigating foodborne illnesses that can spread across communities and involve multiple potential exposure sources.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People generally become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis commonly include prolonged diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Symptoms can persist for weeks without appropriate treatment.
