Michigan health officials reported the first two deaths linked to the ongoing Michigan cyclospora outbreak cases, as the foodborne illness continued to spread across 45 states. The people who died had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
Michigan records show more than 11,000 cases and 193 hospitalisations, while nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported nationwide. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, which makes the deaths a rare development in a large outbreak.
Michigan and Taylor Farms in Mexico
Michigan health officials did not provide further details about the people who died. Officials linked this year’s widespread outbreak to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico, and Taylor Farms announced a voluntary recall of lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
Taco Bell said it removed lettuce from the supplier from its menu. UK health officials warned about the outbreak after recent cases in returning travellers, adding another sign that the outbreak has moved beyond Michigan and into multiple countries' travel histories.
CDC guidance on cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis spreads through contaminated food or water and can cause severe diarrhoea. The CDC recommends washing all produce under running water, including produce labelled as pre-washed, and cooking produce to at least 70°C (158 °F) to kill the parasite.
For people in Michigan and elsewhere, the immediate practical step is to check produce handling before eating and to discard food tied to the recalled lettuce supply. The unresolved question is which specific source of contamination led to the Michigan deaths.
