Authorities are struggling to get the outbreak of an explosive diarrhea-causing parasite under control. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 18,000 cases that have been confirmed or are being investigated across 45 states.
There had been 423 reported hospitalizations, but at least no deaths — until this week. On Monday, Michigan health officials confirmed that there are now two fatalities linked to the outbreak, an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis which is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
However, it’s important to note that both individuals had “significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration,” according to an update by Michigan Health and Human Services. In other words, both people didn’t die purely because they were infected by the parasite.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness that causes watery and frequent diarrhea. There are specific treatments available for the infection, including sulfonamides, which are synthetic antimicrobial agents.
