Health officials in Michigan have confirmed two deaths connected to cyclosporiasis, marking the first reported fatalities in the U.S. associated with the parasitic intestinal illness.
The deaths were initially reported in August and confirmed earlier this month, according to state health officials.
Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by the infection and resulting dehydration, officials said. Authorities did not release the identities of the patients or provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can contaminate food or water.
The two deaths come amid a sharp increase in infections reported across the country beginning in May.
Michigan recorded thousands of cases during the outbreak, significantly higher than the approximately 50 infections the state typically sees in a year.
Investigators linked a major cluster of illnesses spanning multiple states to iceberg lettuce that was sourced from a processor in central Mexico and distributed to restaurants.
The illnesses involving the two people who died began before a product recall was issued in mid-July.
Nationwide surveillance identified laboratory-confirmed infections across dozens of states, while additional suspected cases remained under investigation. Hundreds of people were hospitalized nationally.
By September, health officials declared the specific outbreak associated with the lettuce over after the number of newly reported cases declined substantially.
Cyclospora infects the small intestine after a person consumes contaminated food or water. Symptoms generally begin about one week after exposure.
The most common symptom is prolonged diarrhea, though infected patients can also experience stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Some patients also experience a low-grade fever or muscle aches.
Healthy people can recover without treatment, although symptoms can persist or return over a period of weeks.
Older adults, young children, people with weakened immune systems and those with existing medical conditions can face an increased risk of complications, particularly dehydration.
Antibiotic treatment may be prescribed for patients who require medical intervention.
Unlike some gastrointestinal illnesses, Cyclospora generally does not spread directly from one person to another because the parasite must spend time outside the body before becoming infectious.
The parasite is more commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, South Asia and the Middle East.
Historically, U.S. cases have frequently been associated with international travel or imported fresh produce.
Previous outbreaks have been linked to foods including raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and salad greens. Tomatoes and mixed fresh-produce products have also been associated with infections, per Trending Politics.
Cases in the U.S. tend to increase during late spring and summer, when fresh produce-linked outbreaks are more frequently detected.
The Michigan deaths represent the first reported U.S. fatalities tied to cyclosporiasis, according to health officials, though both patients had underlying medical conditions that may also have contributed to the severity of their illnesses.
