Michigan reports 2 deaths in rare parasite outbreak that has sickened more than 11,000
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Health officials in Michigan have confirmed two deaths linked to a large outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a rare and usually non-fatal intestinal parasitic infection, in what the state described as an unusual fatal outcome. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the deaths were connected to the state's ongoing outbreak, which forms part of a much larger multi-state event affecting dozens of US states, believed to stem from contaminated produce.
The outbreak has sickened 11,234 people across Michigan, with 193 confirmed cases reported hospitalisations as of the most recent count. Nationally, health experts have flagged over 4,000 linked cases across 41 states as investigators continue tracing the source, with authorities advising the public to wash produce carefully as a precaution while the outbreak remains active.
- Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak has caused two deaths and over 11,000 illnesses
- Outbreak is part of a wider multi-state event linked to contaminated produce
- Officials urge thorough produce washing while the source is traced
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Cyclosporiasis is a diarrhoeal illness caused by a microscopic parasite that spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with faecal matter, most often through fresh produce such as herbs, salad leaves or berries. It is not passed directly from person to person, and while it usually causes stomach upset lasting days or weeks rather than death, it can be serious for people who are older, pregnant or have weakened immune systems.
The key players are the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which is tracking cases within the state, and federal health agencies such as the CDC, which coordinate the wider investigation across multiple US states and try to trace the contaminated food source. Outbreaks like this typically emerge each spring and summer, when imported fresh produce is more likely to be linked to infections.
This matters because the scale of illness is unusually large, and investigators have not yet confirmed exactly which food is responsible, meaning contaminated produce could still be reaching shops and kitchens. Until a source is identified, health officials are relying on general precautions, such as thorough washing of fruit and vegetables, to limit further cases.
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