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First deaths reported in cyclosporiasis outbreak
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Two deaths in Michigan have been linked to the ongoing multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking the first known fatalities related to this illness in the U.S., with both individuals having significant underlying health conditions.
- Cyclosporiasis, caused by a parasite contaminating fresh food or water, typically causes severe diarrhea but is generally not life-threatening; Michigan has reported over 11,000 cases this season, including 193 hospitalizations.
- The CDC reports more than 18,000 domestic cases of cyclosporiasis this season, with ongoing investigations into multiple clusters, especially a large outbreak centered in the Midwest.
- Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce suspected to be linked to the outbreak, though contaminated products may have already been consumed or removed from stores.
- Health officials continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing that case counts are unusually high this year compared to typical seasonal patterns from May to August.
