Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce Leaves 11,000 Sick and Two Dead
Editor’s note: This is a developing story and may be updated.
Michigan health officials have reported two deaths in an ongoing Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened more than 11,000 people across the state. The outbreak involves cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection linked to contaminated food or water.
Since early May, 193 people in Michigan have been hospitalized with infections caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with the organism. Michigan cases have been linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
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First Reported Deaths in the Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak
The two deaths are the first reported in Michigan’s current outbreak and the first deaths documented in any of the ongoing Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States.
Multiple Cyclospora outbreaks have been identified across the country in recent months. However, not every outbreak has been connected to a specific source of exposure. Since May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 6,700 domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis. Case numbers vary by state, with some reporting typical seasonal levels and others recording higher-than-usual totals.
What Causes Cyclosporiasis?
Regarding the Michigan deaths, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services said that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. “No additional information will be provided on these two cases,” the department said in a statement.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Infection typically occurs after consuming contaminated produce or water. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be more serious in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms and Treatment of Cyclospora Infection
Common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include loss of appetite, fatigue, a low-grade fever, vomiting and persistent watery diarrhea. The infection is generally treated with antibiotics, which prevent the parasite from multiplying.
In mild cases, cyclosporiasis may resolve without treatment. However, symptoms can continue for more than a month. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea can cause serious dehydration, which may lead to electrolyte imbalances and hypovolemia, or severe fluid loss.
Although severe dehydration can result in complications such as kidney failure or shock, cyclosporiasis is not usually fatal. More than 2,200 cases were reported in the United States between 2011 and 2015, but there were no associated deaths.
“Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States,” Michigan health officials said.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
