Two Michigan residents with serious underlying health conditions have died during a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak that has produced thousands of illnesses across dozens of states, health officials announced Aug. 3.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Michigan health officials have identified two deaths associated with an ongoing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, marking the first reported fatalities since cases of the parasitic illness began increasing in the spring.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the deaths Aug. 3 but said both patients had significant preexisting medical conditions that may have been worsened by the infection and resulting dehydration.
“Two deaths have been identified as part of the cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Michigan,” the department said in a statement.
“According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. No additional information will be provided on these two cases.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The deaths were announced less than a week after the CDC reported that no fatalities had been identified by states as of July 28.
Federal officials said 45 states had reported 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases acquired within the United States since May 1. Patients ranged in age from 1 to 98, and the median date of illness onset was July 2.
More than 11,000 additional illnesses were awaiting laboratory confirmation or further investigation, according to the CDC. Cases connected to international travel were excluded from the federal outbreak count.
The outbreak affecting Michigan has also been connected to illnesses in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Federal officials said in July that iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico was suspected as one possible source.
Michigan has recorded 11,234 cases in recent months, including 193 hospitalizations, according to state figures cited in the report.
Indiana reported 1,285 cases. Kansas recorded 461 cases and 20 hospitalizations, while Ohio reported approximately 20,000 cases.
Oklahoma authorities reported 298 cases and 18 hospitalizations. West Virginia recorded 268 cases, including 19 patients who required hospital treatment.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fruits, vegetables and other produce through contact with fecal matter.
Previous outbreaks have been associated with salad greens, raspberries, cilantro and other fresh produce.
The infection’s primary symptom is prolonged or recurring diarrhea. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and dehydration.
The Michigan deaths underscore the increased danger the illness may pose to people with serious underlying health conditions, particularly when persistent diarrhea leads to substantial fluid loss.
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