Cyclosporiasis outbreak surges across 41 states
Dr. Marc Siegel discusses the alarming cyclosporiasis outbreak, with over 4,000 cases in 41 states linked to contaminated produce. He emphasizes the need for caution as the parasitic infection isn’t fully controlled, despite FDA tracing efforts. Siegel also critiques the FDA panel’s recommendation to ease peptide restrictions, highlighting insufficient human studies on their long-term health impacts.
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Two people in Michigan have died in connection with the state’s sprawling cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking a rare fatal outcome from the intestinal parasite, health officials said Monday.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said the deaths were identified as part of the ongoing outbreak, which has so far sickened 11,234 people statewide. As of Thursday, 193 people with reported infections said they had been hospitalized.
According to the agency, medical records showed both people who died “had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.” Officials said no additional information about the cases will be released.
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A massive surge in Cyclospora cases means people may be mistaking this parasitic foodborne infection for a standard summer stomach bug. (iStock)
State health officials are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak and said available evidence points to lettuce or salad greens as a potential culprit. However, investigators cautioned that other food items have not been ruled out, and no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified.
Since the cyclospora outbreak was linked to shredded lettuce at some Taco Bell locations, the chain has been offering deals on lettuce-free menu items. (iStock)
MDHHS said it is working with local health departments and other partners as the investigation continues and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
Man sits on a bed and holds his stomach while home alone. Abdominal pain can be caused by digestive problems, infections, intestinal inflammation or more serious diseases. (iStock)
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Health officials emphasized that cyclosporiasis is generally not considered a life-threatening illness and that deaths associated with the infection are uncommon in the United States.
Fox News Digital’s Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.