The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on the 3rd that Michigan has reported 2 deaths related to cyclosporiasis, with both deceased having suffered from serious underlying medical conditions.
This marks the first report of related deaths since the ongoing spread of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. began in May this year.
According to the latest data released the same day by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state has so far reported a total of 11,234 cases of cyclosporiasis, including 193 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.
The agency stated that medical records show cyclosporiasis infection and dehydration may have affected the underlying conditions of the two individuals who died.
Recently, cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. have continued to rise. The CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and public health departments across several states are investigating a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to bagged salad greens affecting 9 states, including Michigan.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by Cyclospora, which can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Infected individuals may have no symptoms, or may experience watery diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, stomach pain, nausea, and other symptoms. If not treated promptly, illness may last from several days to several months and can recur. The disease is generally not life-threatening. The typical season for cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the U.S. is from May 1 to August 31 each year.