Michigan authorities reported on Monday the death of two people as a result of the cyclosporiasis outbreak transmitted through lettuce contaminated with this parasite affecting several US states. These are the first deaths caused by the explosive diarrhea caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which is transmitted through food or liquids contaminated with human feces.
The two deceased had pre-existing health problems that could have been aggravated by the effects caused by explosive diarrhea, such as dehydration and muscle weakness, according to medical records. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state with the most reported cases, refuses to provide additional information about the two deaths.
Health authorities reported that “they are aware of two deaths related to cyclosporiasis in people with pre-existing health problems in Michigan, as part of this outbreak.” The state agency explains on its website that both deceased individuals had “significant underlying health conditions that could have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.”
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh food or water and cause severe diarrhea in infected people. Infection by this parasite can last from a few days to several weeks and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Authorities remind that deaths from cyclosporiasis are not common, as the infection “is generally not a fatal disease.” Since the Cyclospora outbreak caused by contaminated lettuce distributed in several states began in early May, a total of 11,234 cases have been reported in Michigan, including 193 people who required hospitalization.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified more than 18,000 cases of domestic cyclosporiasis this season; 6,707 cases are confirmed and another 11,500 are undergoing additional testing and laboratory analysis to determine if the disease was acquired in the United States, according to CNN.
Health agencies began an investigation a few weeks ago into the fast food chain Taco Bell for its alleged connection to the cyclosporiasis outbreak recorded in at least nine states in the country. However, the health crisis pointed to a broader problem that may be related to contaminated lettuce. A few weeks later, the food company Taylor Farms issued a statement: “On July 17, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico that had been identified as the possible source of one of the recent Cyclospora outbreaks. Products currently on sale are not affected.”
Health officials explain that it is common for cyclosporiasis cases to increase during spring and summer in the United States, according to the CDC. This year, the number of cases has surged due to the outbreak related to iceberg lettuce.
“We are increasingly confident that the outbreak is declining,” said Laina Stebbins, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health, in statements collected by The New York Times.