Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak Turns Deadly as First Two Deaths Reported

After weeks of talking about explosive diarrhea, contaminated lettuce, and enough bathroom jokes to last a lifetime, this Michigan Cyclospora outbreak has taken a heartbreaking turn.

RELATED: Michigan’s Cyclospora Outbreak Food Watchlist

Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak Takes a Deadly Turn

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed the first two deaths connected to the outbreak. The unnamed individuals both had significant underlying health conditions, and officials say cyclosporiasis and the dehydration it can cause likely contributed to their deaths. The cases were reported Monday, August 3, making the first known fatalities linked to what Reuters is calling a record-setting national outbreak.

Michigan Remains the Epicenter of Cyclospora Cases

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Michigan remains the epicenter of the outbreak, wth 11,234 confirmed cases and 193 hospitalizations. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed case count remains much lower because federal reporting lags behind state reporting for several weeks.

Health officials still believe contaminated fresh produce, including shredded iceberg lettuce tied to some Taylor Farms de Mexico operations, explains many of Michigan's cases, but not every case. Investigators continue searching for additional sources.

Why Dehydration Makes Cyclospora Dangerous

brown wooden doll on white ceramic toilet bowl

For most healthy people, Cyclospora is miserable but treatable. The greatest danger comes when the relentless diarrhea leads to severe dehydration, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

RELATED: Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak May Have Reached Its Peak

The silver lining? Local infectious disease specialists say new cases appear to be slowing, suggesting the outbreak may finally be losing steam. That's welcome news for everyone who's spent the summer treating every salad like it was plotting against them.