DETROIT, Michigan — The US cyclospora outbreak has claimed its first reported lives after Michigan health officials confirmed that two people died amid a sharp rise in infections linked to the intestinal parasite.
Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have contributed to complications from cyclosporiasis and dehydration, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The deaths mark a serious escalation in an outbreak that has sickened thousands of people across the United States and placed growing pressure on federal and state agencies to identify every source of contamination.
Michigan reported 11,234 outbreak-associated illnesses and 193 hospitalizations as of Monday, Reuters reported, citing state health data. Wayne County, which includes Detroit, had recorded the state’s highest number of cases.
US cyclospora outbreak spreads across multiple states
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 6,707 domestically acquired cases while health authorities investigate more than 11,500 additional suspected infections nationwide.
Those figures mean the outbreak may involve more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases, although differences in state reporting, laboratory testing and federal verification make direct comparisons difficult.
Cases have been reported across dozens of states since May. Michigan has emerged as the hardest-hit state, with infections increasing rapidly throughout July.
The surge comes as health authorities continue monitoring other serious infectious-disease threats, including a recent hantavirus cluster that prompted an international health response.
The state recorded 10,386 cases July 30 and 10,773 the following day. Before Monday’s announcement, officials had reported no fatalities.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People generally become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter containing the parasite.
The illness does not usually spread directly from one person to another because the parasite must spend time in the environment before becoming infectious.
Common symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, appetite loss and weight loss. Some patients also experience vomiting, fever and muscle aches.
Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure but may continue for several weeks or return after appearing to improve. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can cause dangerous dehydration, particularly among older adults and people with existing health problems.
Lettuce identified in one major cluster
Federal investigators have linked one multistate cluster to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico and served at Taco Bell restaurants.
Nearly 2,000 infections and at least 98 hospitalizations have been connected to that cluster, according to The Associated Press. However, public health officials have cautioned that the lettuce does not explain every illness recorded during the wider national surge.
The Food and Drug Administration has been investigating other potential sources, including a separate outbreak involving dozens of cases for which no food source had been identified when the inquiry was announced.
Authorities have conducted traceback investigations involving produce suppliers, distribution networks and restaurants. The FDA previously said it was examining several produce items as the national case count continued to rise.
Michigan’s chief medical executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, previously said the state had not identified one restaurant chain as the source of all its infections. About 12% of Michigan patients had no clear connection to eating lettuce or visiting a fast-food restaurant, according to Reuters.
That gap has complicated efforts to determine whether the country is facing one widespread outbreak, several overlapping outbreaks or a broader seasonal increase involving multiple contaminated foods.
Consumers urged to watch for prolonged symptoms
Health officials are advising people experiencing persistent watery diarrhea to contact a health care provider, particularly if symptoms last several days or are accompanied by signs of dehydration.
Patients should tell medical professionals about recently consumed produce, restaurant meals and travel. Laboratory testing is generally required to confirm cyclosporiasis because its symptoms can resemble other gastrointestinal illnesses.
The infection can be treated with prescription medication. People with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions may experience longer or more serious illness.
Consumers should rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water and refrigerate cut or peeled produce promptly. Washing can reduce contamination but may not remove every Cyclospora parasite from affected food.
The CDC also advises against eating recalled products and recommends cleaning refrigerators, containers and surfaces that may have contacted contaminated produce.
No information released Monday established that the two Michigan deaths were associated with a particular restaurant, retailer or package of lettuce.
Federal and state investigations remain active as authorities work to identify additional food sources, confirm suspected cases and determine whether infections are beginning to decline.
The two fatalities underscore the potential consequences of prolonged diarrheal illness, particularly for medically vulnerable patients, even though cyclosporiasis is rarely fatal.
