2 people die of Cyclospora infection in Michigan

Michigan has experienced its first two deaths from a Cyclospora infection, a parasitic illness that has affected over 11,000 individuals in the state since early May. The outbreak, linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, has also seen 193 hospitalizations. Both deceased individuals reportedly had pre-existing health conditions that may have exacerbated the effects of cyclosporiasis and dehydration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 6,700 cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. since May, but not all have been traced back to a specific source. Symptoms of the infection range from mild to severe, with treatment involving antibiotics. While cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening, severe cases can lead to dehydration and complications like kidney failure or shock. Deaths resulting from cyclosporiasis are rare in the U.S.