Michigan reports first 2 U.S. deaths linked to diarrhea-causing parasite
Key Takeaways
- •Two individuals with pre-existing health conditions have died in Michigan from cyclospora infection, representing the first confirmed U.S. deaths tied to the parasite.
- •The CDC has recorded over 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases nationwide during the current outbreak, with state reports suggesting the actual total may exceed 20,000.
- •Federal health officials linked contaminated lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell restaurants across nine states to 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations.
- •Cyclosporiasis is treatable with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, though severe dehydration can pose risks for patients with underlying medical conditions.
- •Investigators indicate that other brands, restaurants, or distribution channels may also be connected to the outbreak as the inquiry remains ongoing.
DETROIT — Two people have died in Michigan's cyclospora outbreak, state health officials said Monday, marking the first deaths confirmed in the United States related to the microscopic parasite.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both people had underlying health conditions that may have been affected by the intestinal illness and dehydration. The department said it would not release further information about the deaths.
Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure. Outbreaks occur most often in late spring and summer.
The CDC says the illness, known as cyclosporiasis, is rarely fatal.
The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, cyclospora does not typically spread directly from person to person. In past outbreaks, people have been infected by eating fruits or vegetables exposed to irrigation water contaminated with feces. The CDC notes that routine washing of produce may not reliably remove the parasite.
Dr. Joel Kammeyer, division chief of infectious diseases at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center, called the deaths a “tragedy” but noted that despite thousands of cyclosporiasis cases, only two people have died.
“For someone who comes into an urgent care and cyclosporiasis is their only issue, it’s relatively easy to treat,” Kammeyer said. The standard treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim. “But for people who are struggling with other illnesses, it stands to reason that there are some patients that might not be able to withstand the dehydration that can come with severe cyclosporiasis.”
Cyclosporiasis is less common than other foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli. Many cases are never tied to a specific food or other source, and for years few U.S. cyclospora outbreaks were reported. The number began rising about a decade ago, with a notable increase in 2018 and 2019.
Before the current surge, 2019 had the most reported U.S. cyclosporiasis cases, at about 4,700.
The CDC said it is aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current surge. However, CDC figures can lag state reports, which suggest the nationwide total is above 20,000.
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in nine states as a source of the widespread outbreak. As of late July, the number of cases linked to the lettuce was 1,947, including at least 98 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.
The agency said other “brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels” could also be connected to the outbreak as the investigation continues.
