Michigan Reports Two Deaths as Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Surpasses 18,000 Cases Nationwide

By Habari News Staff

Michigan health officials have reported the first two deaths associated with a rapidly expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting much of the United States.

According to a report published by the Citizen app and updated Sunday, August 3, both individuals had significant underlying medical conditions that may have been worsened by the infection and resulting dehydration.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the deaths but did not release additional information about the individuals. Officials emphasized that cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening and deaths from the illness remain uncommon in the United States.

Michigan Among Hardest-Hit States

Michigan has reported 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations as of July 30, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Nationwide, health officials have identified more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases across 45 states, including at least 423 hospitalizations. The figures make this the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history, according to health officials.

Federal and state totals may differ because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports laboratory-confirmed cases, while some state agencies also include probable cases awaiting further investigation. The CDC says it can take as long as six weeks to determine whether an illness is connected to an outbreak.

Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Mexico and South Carolina are reportedly the only states without cases associated with this year’s nationwide outbreak.

Some Cases Linked to Iceberg Lettuce

One portion of the broader outbreak has been connected to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de México and served at certain Taco Bell restaurants.

The CDC has linked at least 1,947 infections and 98 hospitalizations across Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to that specific cluster. The agency lists no deaths within the lettuce-linked cluster.

Not every cyclosporiasis case reported nationally has been connected to Taco Bell or iceberg lettuce. Investigators are continuing to examine additional illnesses and potential food sources.

Taylor Farms de México recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed between June 29 and July 16. The products reached consumers, restaurants and retailers in at least 27 states. Some recalled lettuce was sold under Walmart’s Marketside brand, with use-by dates extending through August 3.

Consumers should not eat recalled lettuce. It should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Items and surfaces that may have touched it should be cleaned using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Symptoms Can Take Days to Develop

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms may include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Nausea
• Increased gas
• Fatigue
• Headache, fever, or body aches

Symptoms commonly begin about one week after exposure but can take up to two weeks to appear. Without treatment, the illness may continue for several weeks or return after appearing to improve.

Anyone experiencing symptoms after eating potentially contaminated produce should contact a healthcare provider and ask whether testing for Cyclospora is appropriate. Patients should also remain hydrated, particularly older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.

Source: Citizen app, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.