A nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis has killed at least two people in the United States and sickened thousands more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said it has confirmed 10,468 cases in 47 of the 50 states, with another 12,255 cases under monitoring by health authorities.
Both deaths occurred in the state of Michigan. The CDC said 517 people are currently hospitalized across the country because of the illness.
What causes cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected through contaminated water, infected human feces, or fresh foods such as cilantro or lettuce. The parasite resists chlorine, which makes it difficult to eliminate and contributes to human contamination, so food needs to be washed thoroughly. Transmission through other routes, including human contact, is very rare.
Why the infection can turn deadly
Cyclosporiasis causes intense diarrhea that can last for months if left untreated, and this is what kills most patients. Diarrhea can also lead to organ failure, particularly of the kidneys, which need a constant flow of fluids to function. Because the outflow of fluids is often greater than what the body takes in, the resulting imbalance can prove fatal.
