- Michigan reported 461 outbreak-linked cases in an update on Friday.
- Federal authorities identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in five states as the source of the outbreak.
- Two people with underlying conditions died in Michigan, marking the first fatal US cases linked to the outbreak.
- As of July 28, the CDC recorded 6,707 confirmed cases nationwide, with over 11,500 suspected cases awaiting confirmation.
- Michigan has recorded 11,234 outbreak-linked cases and 193 hospitalizations.
- Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhoea.
- The CDC states that the illness caused by Cyclospora, called cyclosporiasis, is rarely deadly.
Michigan health officials reported two deaths linked to the Cyclospora parasite outbreak, the first fatalities in the U.S. The individuals, who had significant underlying health conditions, were affected by intestinal illness and dehydration.156
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services noted that the state has recorded 11,234 outbreak-linked cases, a significant increase from 461 cases reported just days earlier.
The outbreak has also resulted in 193 hospitalizations.
Federal authorities have identified contaminated lettuce from Mexico, served at Taco Bell locations in five states, as the source of the outbreak.2
“This development highlights the importance of identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing additional illnesses,” said Wade Syers, a food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension.
Nationwide, the CDC has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases still awaiting confirmation or further investigation.
The CDC states that while cyclosporiasis is rarely deadly, the current outbreak has raised significant public health concerns.
“State health officials said both victims had significant underlying health conditions and were affected by intestinal illness and dehydration. The outbreak has been tied to Mexican lettuce served at Taco Bell in five states, with Michigan now reporting 11,234 linked cases and 193 hospitalizations.”
