Two people in Michigan have died from the cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to state health officials on Monday, likely the first in the United States.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services gave few details about the circumstances of the deaths, but said that the two individuals who died had “significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.”
No other details, including the location of the deaths, would be released.
The deaths were announced as the MDHHS reported that there have been 11,234 cases of the parasitic illness in Michigan since June 22. That’s an 8% increase over last Thursday’s case total of 10,386.
Illness caused by the microscopic parasite is uncommon, and is typically not life-threatening, but a multi-state outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce in nine states, and Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Federal officials are also investigating outbreaks and illness in 36 other states that are not related to this specific outbreak.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends buying whole heads of lettuce or salad greens instead of bagged lettuce, removing the outer leaves, trimming any damaged areas and washing the produce thoroughly before eating it.
The state health department said in an FAQ document that while the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, “although other food items cannot be completely ruled out.” Past Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and mesclun lettuce.
News Views advises readers not to take medical advice from MAGAts like Nancy Mace or Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Please visit your doctor, not Africa nor Tractor Supply, to treat cyclosporiasis.
Detroit News, Washington Post, CDC