The clusters of cyclosporiasis engulfing the U.S. have officially turned deadly. On Monday, health officials in Michigan announced two deaths linked to the state’s outbreak—the first fatalities of the parasitic disease reported in the U.S. this year. Though Michigan has seen the most cases so far, there are multiple active outbreaks of cyclosporiasis ongoing right now, while cases have been documented in 45 states to date. Uncommonly deadly Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, primarily Cyclospora cayatenensis. The disease often causes watery and explosively loud bouts of diarrhea, along with other common symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. Like many foodborne diseases, cyclosporiasis is rarely life-threatening. However, very young people, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems or poorer health are more susceptible to severe illness. These two recent deaths appear to be an example of that heightened vulnerability, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration,” the department said in a statement provided to Gizmodo. “Cyclosporiasis is generally not a life-threatening illness. Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States.”
