Two people have died in a major parasite outbreak that can cause “explosive diarrhoea”. Health officials in Michigan confirmed the deaths are the first linked to the outbreak of cyclospora in the US. Authorities said both individuals had “significant” underlying health conditions. No further details about the people were released by Michigan’s health department.
Outbreak spread across US
Latest figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show there are 10,468 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis — the illness caused by the cyclospora parasite — in 47 states since the start of May.
The widespread outbreak has been connected to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, which reportedly supplies many food establishments in the US. Taylor Farms has announced a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, including those sold at retail stores and served in restaurants. Fast-food chain Taco Ball said it has removed Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce from its menu.
Cases linked to lettuce
As well as Michigan — where the deaths were — cases linked to the iceberg lettuce have also been reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The CDC said the “multistate outbreak has contributed significantly to the increase in Cyclospora cases this year”. As of July 24, at least 1,947 cases have been linked to that specific outbreak. The CDC is also investigating other unrelated cases of the food-borne illness.
Health advice and symptoms
On Monday, Michigan’s health department reported more than 11,000 cases of Cyclosporiasis but it is said many have not been confirmed by lab tests. People are being urged to throw away or return any recalled lettuce, and wash items and surfaces it may have touched using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said “explosive diarrhoea” is one of the main symptoms of cyclospora. Other symptoms, which typically begin about one week after infection, include fatigue, nausea, fever and loss of appetite. Cases are usually not life-threatening but without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer. The CDC encourages those with symptoms to stay well-hydrated.
British health officials have also warned about the outbreak in the US after cases contracted by returning travellers.
