First death in the United States from ‘cyclospora’ infection, suspicion on ‘lettuce from Mexico’

Authorities have confirmed the first death of two people in the US state of Michigan from the Cyclospora parasite. This is considered the first death in the country from the disease. The investigation has been intensified to prevent the spread of the infection and identify the source.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday (August 3) that the two people who died had serious health complications. They were suffering from severe intestinal illness and dehydration due to the cyclospora infection. However, their identities were not released.

Wade Sayers, a food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension, said that the death reinforces the importance of quickly identifying the source of the infection and reducing the number of new cases.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Health and Human Services said that they are aware of the situation in Michigan. However, no new information has been released so far regarding the investigation into the source of the infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that Cyclospora is a tiny round parasite that usually causes severe watery diarrhea. In many cases, it can also cause frequent and severe diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and other digestive problems. The infection is most common in late spring and summer. However, according to the CDC, deaths from the disease, known as cyclosporiasis, are rare.

Federal authorities have identified lettuce imported from Mexico, which was served at fast food chain Taco Bell in five states, as the main source of the infection. They are also looking for other possible sources.

According to the latest data from the CDC, as of July 28, there were 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide. In addition, more than 11,500 suspected cases are under investigation.

Meanwhile, Michigan authorities said the number of cases linked to the outbreak in the state had risen to 11,234, up from 461 on Friday. At least 193 people have been hospitalized so far.

Source: Al Jazeera