Two people have died in Michigan due to cyclospora, the state Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said in a statement. These are the first deaths since the outbreak of the disease, which has already spread to nine states.
The total number of cases in Michigan has reached 11,234, with 193 resulting in hospitalizations, the department said. According to medical records, both patients who died had serious underlying health conditions that may have been aggravated by infection with the Cyclospora parasite and dehydration. Information about the deceased is not publicly disclosed.
Cyclospora, considered a seasonal disease in the United States during the spring and summer months, is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can be contracted through poorly washed fruits and vegetables. The main symptoms include severe explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss.
“People experiencing gastrointestinal distress, such as sudden and persistent diarrhea, are advised to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Cyclospora infection is treated with antibiotics and recommended bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration,” MDHHS said.
Confirmed outbreaks of the disease have been reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and West Virginia and are under investigation, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted. The agency, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local and federal partners, has linked the national outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in those states.
It turned out that Taylor Farms supplies it there. On July 17, it recalled lettuce grown in central Mexico. The recalled product was distributed and sold to consumers, restaurants and retail stores in at least 27 states, the health department said.
However, the supplier later engaged independent experts to conduct a comprehensive review of manufacturing processes and food safety protocols at its facility in central Mexico. Following the investigation, Taylor Farms emphasized that none of the samples of its products tested positive for the presence of cyclospora.
“Do not eat the recalled salad. Throw it away or return it. Wash items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled lettuce in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher,” the CDC said.
To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend thoroughly washing your hands and fresh food under running water before eating, cutting or preparing. It is important to cook food to 158°F (70°C) or higher to kill the parasite. For general questions related to the cyclosporiasis outbreak, it is recommended that you contact your local health department. It was previously noted that, as a rule, cyclosporiasis does not pose a threat to life, and deaths from it are rare in the United States.
As RTVI previously wrote, since May 1, the CDC has laboratory confirmed 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis in 34 states, against this background, four out of ten Americans have reduced their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, survey data showed.
