Two people have died in Michigan from the severe diarrhea-causing parasite that has sickened thousands across the US, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Both people had underlying health conditions, the agency said in a statement Monday. Michigan's health department said the people's underlying health conditions were likely impacted by the cylosporiasis infection and dehydration.
ALSO READ: US Wildfires: Spokane Blaze Destroys 600 Structures, Forces 60,000 To Evacuate
They're the first deaths in a growing US outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a disease caused by eating food contaminated with a microscopic parasite. The CDC has recorded 6,707 infections across 45 states this year. State health departments have recorded even higher numbers — the largest cluster in Michigan has infected 11,234 people as of Monday.
Shares of Sweetgreen Inc. fell as much as 4.8% at 11:05 a.m in New York, while Taco Bell parent Yum! Brands Inc. fell as much as 1.7%.
Many sick people had eaten iceberg lettuce from producer Taylor Farms, which makes 40% of bagged or packaged salads in the US. Taylor Farms recalled products from 27 states after being linked to the outbreak and said it no longer sources from a Mexico farm that provided the lettuce. The CDC and US Food and Drug Administration continue to investigate other outbreaks.
ALSO READ: AstraZeneca Shares Sink 7% On $400 Billion Bristol Myers Buyout Talks
It's rare for someone to die from a cyclosporiasis infection. Symptoms — including watery diarrhea and nausea — can appear up to two weeks after ingesting the parasite and potentially last for as long as two months. Treatments can include a combination prescription antibiotic and plenty of fluids.
The parasite, called cyclospora, is difficult to test for because it's hard to replicate a parasite in a lab and due to the short shelf life of the produce it lives on. Typically, it thrives on leafy greens like lettuce and basil, or fruits like raspberries.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.