US reports first two deaths linked to 'explosive diarrhoea' outbreak
✓Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two deaths linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, a parasitic infection spread through contaminated food or water that can cause severe diarrhoea.
The two individuals had "significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration", state health authorities said.
The foodborne illness has spread to 45 states, with nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported nationwide, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While the outbreak has infected thousands of people, the CDC says deaths from cyclosporiasis are far from common, as it is "not usually life-threatening".
Michigan's health department did not provide further details about those who have died.
The state is at the epicentre of the current outbreak and its records show more than 11,000 cases and 193 hospitalisations, although many have not been laboratory-confirmed.
The heat-loving parasite infects the intestines and is transmitted through faecal contamination.
Past outbreaks have occurred when people consumed fruits or vegetables irrigated with water contaminated by faeces.
The CDC recommends washing all produce under running water, including those that are labelled as pre-washed.
But washing alone might not be enough to rid produce of the parasite. Cooking produce to a temperature of at least 70°C (158 °F) can kill the parasite, the agency recommends.
Officials have linked this year's widespread outbreak to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico, a key supplier for many food establishments in the US.
US fast-food chain Taco Bell said it has removed lettuce from the supplier from its menu. Taylor Farms itself announced a voluntary recall of lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
UK health officials too have warned about the outbreak following recent cases contracted by returning travellers.
Read the full story at BBC ↗ · Al Jazeera ↗ · Axios ↗
A cyclospora outbreak spanning 45 US states has resulted in two confirmed deaths in Michigan. The parasitic infection, transmitted through contaminated food and water, has generated nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases nationally, with Michigan experiencing over 11,000 suspected cases and 193 hospitalisations. Health authorities identified that both deceased individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been compounded by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. The CDC notes that deaths from this infection are uncommon, as it is not typically life-threatening. Epidemiological investigation traced the outbreak to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico. Major food suppliers, including Taco Bell, have removed affected lettuce from distribution. The parasite can be eliminated through cooking produce to at least 70°C or through thorough washing under running water, though washing alone may be insufficient. Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall of lettuce from central Mexico.
Read the full story at BBC ↗ · Al Jazeera ↗ · Axios ↗
Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two deaths linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, a parasitic infection spread through contaminated food or water that can cause severe diarrhoea.
The two individuals had "significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration", state health authorities said.
The foodborne illness has spread to 45 states, with nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported nationwide, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While the outbreak has infected thousands of people, the CDC says deaths from cyclosporiasis are far from common, as it is "not usually life-threatening".
Michigan's health department did not provide further details about those who have died.
The state is at the epicentre of the current outbreak and its records show more than 11,000 cases and 193 hospitalisations, although many have not been laboratory-confirmed.
The heat-loving parasite infects the intestines and is transmitted through faecal contamination.
Past outbreaks have occurred when people consumed fruits or vegetables irrigated with water contaminated by faeces.
The CDC recommends washing all produce under running water, including those that are labelled as pre-washed.
But washing alone might not be enough to rid produce of the parasite. Cooking produce to a temperature of at least 70°C (158 °F) can kill the parasite, the agency recommends.
Officials have linked this year's widespread outbreak to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico, a key supplier for many food establishments in the US.
US fast-food chain Taco Bell said it has removed lettuce from the supplier from its menu. Taylor Farms itself announced a voluntary recall of lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
UK health officials too have warned about the outbreak following recent cases contracted by returning travellers.
Read the full story at BBC ↗ · Al Jazeera ↗ · Axios ↗
Two deaths linked to cyclospora outbreak have been confirmed in Michigan Nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported across 45 US states Michigan records show more than 11,000 cases and 193 hospitalisations, though many lack laboratory confirmation Deceased individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration Cyclospora is a parasitic infection spread through contaminated food or water causing severe diarrhoea Deaths from cyclosporiasis are far from common as the infection is not usually life-threatening The outbreak has been linked to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico Cooking produce to at least 70°C can kill the parasite; washing produce under running water is also recommended Taco Bell removed affected lettuce from its menu; Taylor Farms announced a voluntary recall UK health officials warned about the outbreak following cases in returning travellers
Read the full story at BBC ↗ · Al Jazeera ↗ · Axios ↗
- Cyclospora outbreak across 45 US states has caused two confirmed deaths in Michigan
- Nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported nationwide; Michigan alone has over 11,000 suspected cases
- Parasitic infection spreads through contaminated produce, linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico
- CDC notes cyclosporiasis is rarely fatal; deceased individuals had significant underlying health conditions
- Cooking produce to 70°C or washing thoroughly recommended; affected suppliers implementing recalls