First US deaths reported in record Cyclospora outbreak

Michigan health officials announced Monday the first two deaths linked to the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, the largest on record in the United States. Both individuals had "significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration," according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Source: AP News. The department declined to provide further details Source: CNN.

The outbreak

Cyclosporiasis, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, typically causes watery diarrhea and is rarely fatal Source: BBC. The current outbreak has spread to 45 states, with the CDC reporting 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases as of July 28, plus more than 11,500 suspected cases Source: NPR. Michigan is the epicenter, with 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations Source: The Guardian.

Federal investigators have linked the multistate outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, served at Taco Bell restaurants Source: Reuters via Al Jazeera. The lettuce was recalled on July 17 Source: NPR. However, epidemiologists suspect multiple sources, and it is unclear whether the deceased were infected by the recalled lettuce or another source Source: CNA.

Federal response

Federal health agencies have faced criticism for slow reporting. The FDA has not updated its outbreak page since July 24, and the CDC only added a banner acknowledging the deaths without updating its data Source: Ars Technica. HHS Press Secretary Emily Hilliard said the agencies plan to update numbers this week Source: Ars Technica. Former CDC officials and food safety experts say cuts across federal agencies have complicated the response Source: The Guardian.

What's next

Health officials continue to investigate at least three other active outbreaks, with no single source identified Source: Gizmodo. The CDC recommends washing produce under running water and cooking to at least 70°C (158°F) to kill the parasite Source: BBC.