Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in the US: 2 Deaths in Michigan, Over 18,000 Affected

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced on Monday that two people in the state had died from a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting over 18,000 people nationwide. According to the Anadolu Agency, both deceased individuals had chronic health problems, primarily intestinal disorders.

Romaine lettuce from imported food sources is identified as the primary source of the outbreak; the parasite has also been found on lettuce on supermarket shelves. The Illinois Department of Health stated on the same day that no deaths had occurred in the state, while according to Chicago Department of Health data, 209 confirmed or suspected cases were identified in the city; at least 15 of these cases were linked to the multi-state romaine lettuce outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is characterized by severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. A similar outbreak affected the United States in 2018, and identifying the source took weeks.