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Michigan reports 2 deaths in cyclosporiasis outbreak
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Two individuals in Michigan with cyclosporiasis have died, both having significant underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by the illness and dehydration, according to the state Health and Human Services Department.
- Cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, leads to severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration; it is typically treated with the antibiotic Bactrim, though healthy individuals often recover without medication.
- The Food and Drug Administration confirmed awareness of the deaths, noting both cases occurred before the voluntary recall by Taylor Farms de Mexico, linked to contaminated lettuce at Taco Bell.
- The current cyclosporiasis outbreak is unusually severe, with cases reported in 45 states and over 11,000 confirmed cases in Michigan alone since early May, including 193 hospitalizations.
- State officials emphasized that cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening in the U.S. and that deaths from the illness are rare.
