Two die after eating fresh romaine lettuce: what they were infected with

Two Michigan residents have died from cyclosporiasis caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. These are the first known deaths in the US linked to the current outbreak. The infection was traced to fresh leafy lettuce (romaine). Both deceased had serious underlying conditions. Michigan has reported 11,234 cases, and the US has 6,707 confirmed cases. The FDA links the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. Symptoms include severe diarrhea. Treatment is Bactrim. It is recommended to thoroughly wash vegetables and heat-treat products.

Two residents of Michigan in the United States have died from infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes cyclosporiasis. These are the first known deaths in the US associated with the current outbreak. Both deceased had serious underlying medical conditions, and dehydration may have affected their condition. The infection was traced to fresh leafy lettuce, known in Israel as 'hasa'. The patients fell ill before the recall of iceberg lettuce ordered by the FDA on July 17, so the link between the deaths and the investigation in nine states has not yet been confirmed. According to the Michigan Department of Health, the state has recorded 11,234 cases, with a total of 6,707 confirmed cases in 45 states across the US, and about 11,500 more suspected. Hospitalization was required for 423 patients. The FDA links the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, although a retest gave a false positive result. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea. Treatment is the antibacterial drug Bactrim for 7-10 days. The FDA recommends heat-treating products at a temperature of at least 70 degrees and thoroughly washing vegetables.