Health

Michigan Reports First 2 US Deaths Related to Cyclospora Outbreak, Hundreds of Cases Reported in Illinois

Two people have died in the cyclospora outbreak in Michigan, state health officials announced Monday, the first deaths confirmed in the U.S. related to the microscopic parasite.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both people had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration. The department said it would not provide additional information about the deaths.

In Illinois, there have been no deaths related to the cyclospora outbreak, the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed Monday.

In Chicago, 209 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis were reported as of Monday, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Pending ongoing investigation, at least 15 cases have been linked to the multi-state lettuce outbreak, and 103 cases were likely acquired locally, according to a CDPH spokesperson.

Among the local cases, CDPH has not yet found a specific source, a spokesperson said.

In late July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added Illinois as part of a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The other states included in the specific outbreak were Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Illinois has seen 707 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis as of IDPH’s latest numbers on Tuesday, July 28. The department updates cyclosporiasis case numbers every Tuesday. 

Illinois had reported 47 hospitalizations as a result of the illness, as of last week.

“While no single source has been identified for all cases, a number of people reporting illness in Illinois said they had consumed shredded lettuce while dining out,” according to an IDPH statement. “Products that are suspected of being part of the outbreak are now being removed from restaurants, retail stores, and other food service locations, and IDPH is hopeful that those actions and increased public awareness will lead to fewer cases in the days ahead.”

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the parasite cyclospora, which can cause frequent and watery diarrhea. The disease is spread by consuming contaminated food or water. 

Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.

Cyclosporiasis is less common than other foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli. Many cases are never linked to a specific food or other source and, for years, few U.S. cyclospora outbreaks were reported. But the number started rising about a decade ago, with a particularly notable spike in 2018 and 2019.

Previously, 2019 saw the most reported U.S. cyclosporiasis cases, with about 4,700.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current surge. But CDC numbers can lag state reports, which suggest the number is more than 20,000 nationwide.

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 people who had to be hospitalized, according to the CDC.

The agency has said other “brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels” could be tied to the outbreak as the investigation continues.

Public health officials recommend the following to protect yourself:

• Follow guidance on product recalls, including voluntary recalls, and avoid consuming products linked to outbreaks  
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food
• Wash all fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting or cooking
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a produce brush  
• Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food
• Remove any damaged or bruised areas before preparing and eating
• Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables within 2 hours
• Cook produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit to kill cyclospora

Cyclosporiasis can be treated with an antibiotic, but in most healthy people, it can go away on its own and might not require treatment, according to CDPH medical director Dr. Janna Kerins. Individuals who are very young, older adults, those with a weakened immune system or who have a chronic underlying disease are at higher risk for severe illness.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]

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