The recent outbreak of a foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite does not seem to be slowing down. If anything, it's seemingly ramping up. Furthermore, there are now two reported deaths from it, the first known ones.
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The illness, which causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as explosive diarrhea, is called cyclosporiasis. The parasite responsible for it is cyclospora.
Two People Have Died From the Illness So Far
According to the New York Post, the deaths occurred in Michigan. Neither person who succumbed was publicly identified. However, other underlying health conditions may have made them more vulnerable to a drastic outcome when they contracted cyclosporiasis. Dehydration may also have been a factor also. That information comes from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The Post reports that "cases top 11,000." However, that appears to be in just one state - Michigan. There, per the MDHHS, cases as of August 3 number 11,234. As of July 30, 193 people were hospitalized with the illness in Michigan.
The National Numbers Are Concerning
A map showing where cases of the illness are located shows that almost every state has at least some. Michigan and Ohio appear to be significant hot spots.
Per WCVB-TV, based on data from the CDC, the MDHHS, and Alabama Public Health, there are 308 hospitalizations nationwide, 22,143 estimated cases, and the two above-mentioned deaths in Michigan. The CDC data covers the period from May 1 to July 27.
Since May 1, the CDC notes 6,707 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis. Also, "CDC's surveillance updates do not include probable cases."
As the Post points out, the total number if actual cases may be much higher. Not everyone who becomes sick with cyclosporiasis goes to a doctor; the illness runs its course and they recover on their own.
What Is Causing This Massive Outbreak?
Cyclosporiasis typically comes from eating contaminated fresh produce. Items like snow peas, cilantro, spinach, salad mixes, parsley, mesclun lettuce, and berries (blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries) have been found previously to harbor cyclospora, per WCVB-TV.
The current outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce. Per the Post, "the Food and Drug Administration believes the outbreak came from tainted iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which was served at Taco Bell and served in stores."
Nevertheless, lettuce from that supplier might not be the only culprit in this situation. According to the MDHHS, although "lettuce or salad greens" could be linked to this outbreak, other possible sources have not been "ruled out." In addition, "No specific type of produce, grower, or supplier has been identified as the source."
