Two people in Michigan have died from an illness related to the parasite Cyclospora, according to state health officials. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both individuals had significant health conditions that may have made them more vulnerable to complications. The department did not offer further details about the deaths.
Cyclosporiasis is a rare intestinal disease caused by consuming food or water contaminated with human waste. The illness usually causes symptoms like watery diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. Most people with strong immune systems recover without needing special treatment. However, for those who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV, the illness can be more serious. Experts say that while cyclosporiasis is not usually fatal, it can lead to prolonged illness in certain individuals.
The parasite spreads through contaminated food or water and can be found in fruits or vegetables that have been exposed to feces. In this outbreak, the source has been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico. The lettuce was recalled on July 17 after it was tied to cases across multiple states.
Federal health officials have identified the contaminated lettuce as the main source of the outbreak. As of late July, nearly two thousand cases were tied to that lettuce, with at least ninety-eight requiring hospitalization. Health authorities are still investigating other possible sources of the outbreak.
Michigan has reported more than eleven thousand cases of cyclosporiasis so far in this outbreak. Hospitalizations in the state have reached 193. Many of those who became ill were elderly or had underlying health issues such as heart disease, lung problems, cancer, or liver conditions.
Health experts say that while most people recover fully from the illness, some may experience repeated episodes of diarrhea for weeks or even months. The number of new cases has been declining in recent weeks, with fewer than a hundred people testing positive on some days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more than six thousand confirmed cases nationwide as of July. However, the actual number is likely higher because many people with mild symptoms do not seek medical attention or testing.
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are working to trace the outbreak across 45 states. Health officials recommend washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Cooking produce to a temperature of one hundred fifty-eight degrees Fahrenheit will also kill the parasite.
The outbreak has highlighted how food safety practices are important in preventing serious illness. Although cyclosporiasis is not as common as other foodborne illnesses like salmonella or E. coli, it can still pose a risk to vulnerable populations.
The number of cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. has been increasing over the past decade. In 2018 and 2019, there was a particularly large spike in reported cases.
The CDC has noted that the current outbreak is part of a larger trend. Despite the seriousness of this outbreak, experts say that most people who get sick recover with proper care.
IMAGE: Cyclospora cayetanensis
The deaths in Michigan are a reminder of the importance of taking food safety seriously, especially for those with weakened immune systems.