Two people have died from cyclosporiasis in Michigan, the state’s health department confirmed on Monday, marking the first fatalities in the largest US outbreak of the intestinal illness. Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions, according to medical records.
Details of the fatalities
“According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration,” a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services told the Guardian in a statement. The department added that no additional information would be provided on these cases, noting that cyclosporiasis is “generally not a life-threatening illness” and death resulting from it is uncommon in the US.
The outbreak, which has expanded to nine states, has been linked by an FDA investigation to iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico, though authorities continue to search for other potential sources.
Rising case numbers
Michigan health officials reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases on Monday, an increase of 461 from Friday’s update. The outbreak has resulted in 193 hospitalizations, according to the latest state data. Wayne County has reported the highest number of cases with 1,379 infections, while adults aged 30 to 39 have been the hardest hit, accounting for 2,216 cases.
Nationwide, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases as of 28 July, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases still awaiting confirmation or investigation. The CDC surveillance updates include only laboratory-confirmed cases, while state health departments may also report probable infections, resulting in higher case counts.
Impact on consumers and response
The intestinal illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, has been rising steadily across the US in recent weeks, with symptoms including severe diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Consumers have been avoiding certain restaurant chains and buying less lettuce in grocery stores as confusion grows over what is safe to eat.
Former CDC officials and food safety experts have said that cuts across federal health agencies have complicated the government’s ability to respond to foodborne disease outbreaks. The US Department of Health and Human Services said it was aware of the deaths in Michigan.
“This development highlights the importance of identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing additional illnesses,” said Wade Syers, food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension.
