Michigan Reports Two Deaths as Cyclospora Outbreak Surpasses 11,000 Cases
Two outbreak-linked deaths underscore the danger of dehydration as officials investigate more than 11,000 cases and trace infections to lettuce and salad greens.
MICHIGAN has identified two deaths as part of a sweeping cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened more than 11,000 people since late June, marking the outbreak’s most serious health toll to date.
Both people had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by the infection and dehydration, according to medical records cited in the state’s Aug. 3 outbreak update. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it would release no additional information about them.
Michigan has recorded 11,234 cases, an increase of 461 since Friday. At least 193 patients had been hospitalized as of July 30. The scale is unprecedented for a state that typically identifies about 50 cases in an entire year.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. Infection occurs through food or water contaminated with human feces and can produce frequent watery diarrhea, nausea, cramping, bloating, fatigue, appetite loss and weight loss.
The illness can persist for more than a month without treatment, and symptoms can disappear and return. Dehydration can lead to severe complications, particularly for people in poor health or with weakened immune systems. The recommended treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and fluid replacement is essential for patients with diarrhea.
Michigan’s total and the federal count measure different groups. The state includes every case reported during its outbreak investigation. The federal surveillance total covers 6,707 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases through July 27 and excludes probable cases. Federal officials are reviewing more than 11,500 additional reports, many from Michigan and Ohio, that lack laboratory confirmation or require further investigation.
Michigan’s investigation points to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source. No single produce type, grower or supplier has been identified as the source of the entire state outbreak. Interviews with more than 2,900 Michigan patients found that many had not eaten lettuce at a restaurant chain or another food establishment. Lettuce appeared frequently across their food histories.
A federal investigation has linked a subset of infections in nine states to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, including cases involving people who ate at Taco Bell. The company recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17.
The public health impact may continue to grow after the recalled products leave circulation. Federal officials say classifying an outbreak case can take as long as six weeks, leaving current totals well behind the dates when exposure and illness began.
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This is what happens with a corrupt business AND Potus cover real issues. Boycott Taylor Foods! They are big supporters of the Cheeto
Thank you for keeping us updated on this situation. I don’t even look at government websites anymore because I don’t trust them.