Michigan Reports First Cyclospora Deaths in U.S.

Michigan has reported the first two U.S. deaths linked to a cyclospora outbreak, state health officials announced Monday. Both individuals had underlying health conditions that may have been affected by the intestinal illness and dehydration.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated it would not provide additional information about the deaths. Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five states as a source of the widespread outbreak, according to Los Angeles Times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 4,100 confirmed cases since May 1st.

The CDC notes that cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes severe intestinal illness marked by frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. The parasite infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.

According to PBS, the CDC is investigating more than 7,400 other likely cases across 41 states. The number of cyclospora cases has set a U.S. record, with over 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current surge. Michigan health authorities reported that the state has seen 12,485 cases and 279 hospitalizations tied to the outbreak.

The CDC said it can take as long as six weeks from when someone eats contaminated produce to when they become ill. Michigan health officials reported that most of the exposures happened in late June or early July, adding that the majority of the contaminated produce is likely no longer available for consumption.