Michigan reports first two US deaths in cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce

The deaths

Michigan health officials reported the first two US deaths linked to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak on Monday. Both individuals had "significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration," according to medical records cited by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The department said it will not release additional information about the cases. Deaths from cyclosporiasis are uncommon in the United States.

Lengthy bouts of diarrhea can be dangerous for vulnerable groups including infants, older adults and those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems.

The outbreak's scale

Michigan is at the center of a nine-state outbreak that an FDA investigation has linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. Authorities are still looking for other potential sources. Michigan health officials reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases on Monday, up 461 from Friday's update, with 193 hospitalizations. Wayne county has the highest number of cases at 1,379 infections. Adults aged 30 to 39 have been the hardest hit, accounting for 2,216 reported cases.

Nationwide, the CDC has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of 28 July, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases still awaiting confirmation. Since May 1, the CDC has confirmed or is investigating more than 18,000 cases across 45 states and has reported 423 hospitalizations. The CDC surveillance updates include only laboratory-confirmed cases, while state health departments may also report probable infections, resulting in higher case counts.

The illness

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces. The parasite most frequently contaminates produce when fruit and vegetables are irrigated or washed with contaminated water. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. The infection is typically treated with antibiotics and is generally not considered life-threatening.

Signs of a decline

Michigan health officials expressed cautious optimism that the outbreak in the state is starting to wane. During the weeks beginning July 13 and July 20, Michigan reported around 3,500 new cases per week. Last week, the state's health department reported just over 2,000 new cases.

We have growing confidence that the outbreak is declining.

Health experts say it is still too early to tell whether cases nationwide are headed in a similar direction.

Federal response

Former CDC officials and food safety experts have said 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 is aware of the deaths in Michigan. The CDC has said it is working with states to update the national tally as additional cases are confirmed.

This development highlights the importance of identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing additional illnesses.