Michigan reports first U.S. deaths related to cyclosporiasis outbreak

Two people in Michigan with underlying conditions are the first reported deaths from the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak in the U.S. freshidea - stock.adobe.com

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Michigan health authorities said two people have died in connection with the cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce, the first deaths reported in the multistate outbreak.

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The people who died had “significant underlying health conditions” that may have been affected by the intestinal illness and dehydration, the state health department said.

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Deaths from the illness caused by the microscopic parasite are uncommon in the United States, and it is generally not life-threatening, according to Michigan’s health department. The state has reported more than 11,200 cases and nearly 200 hospitalizations.

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Across the border, Canada’s Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has identified 24 cases of cyclosporiasis in the region, some of them likely associated with travel to Michigan.

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U.S. public health officials are investigating the outbreak of cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce in nine states, and Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Federal officials are also investigating outbreaks and illness in 36 other states that are not related to this specific outbreak.

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The shredded iceberg lettuce was served at Taco Bell restaurants in nine states and was sourced to a single supplier in Mexico, Taylor Farms de Mexico. The fast-food chain has said that as of July 17, it completed removing all of the affected lettuce from restaurants and its supply chain. At least 1,947 cases and 98 hospitalizations have been linked to this specific outbreak.

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At least 6,707 people have been infected with the parasite in outbreaks across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Taylor Farms has said it has voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico that was identified as the potential source of one of the recent cyclospora outbreaks. Anything currently on shelves is not the affected product, the company said in a July 17 notice.

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The company also has said it has commissioned independent experts to conduct a top-to-bottom review of food safety processes and protocols in its central-Mexico facility, where as of July 18 the company said it has temporarily suspended production of all products.

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Cyclospora is generally transmitted when infected feces contaminate food or water, and it’s unlikely to be transmitted person-to-person. It usually takes roughly a week before a person gets sick after they are infected, though this period can range from two days to two weeks or more. The parasite typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent bowel movements. The illness is treatable, and doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help.