First US deaths linked to cyclospora outbreak
US health officials confirm the first two deaths linked to a cyclospora outbreak, a parasitic infection usually considered mild.
The update
Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two deaths linked to a cyclospora outbreak in the United States. Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration caused by the parasite.
The illness, caused by a microscopic parasite, is typically not life-threatening. It spreads through contaminated food or water and causes severe diarrhoea. The outbreak has now spread to 45 states, with nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported nationwide.
Why it matters
While deaths from cyclosporiasis are far from common, this marks the first fatal cases of the disease in the US. The state of Michigan is at the epicentre of the outbreak, with over 11,000 cases and 193 hospitalisations recorded, although many have not been laboratory-confirmed.
What to watch
Authorities are searching for additional sources of contamination. Preliminary links point to lettuce imported from Mexico, specifically from a supplier linked to fast-food chains. The CDC recommends washing all produce thoroughly and cooking it to at least 70°C (158°F) to kill the parasite.
Sources
- bbc.co.uk — death confirmation, state breakdown, general parasite info
- aljazeera.com — underlying conditions, national case count, source links