Michigan reports nation's first two deaths in cyclosporiasis outbreak
· UPIAug. 3 (UPI) -- Michigan has recorded the nation's first two deaths due to cyclosporiasis, health officials said Monday.
At least 11,234 people have fallen ill with the gastrointestinal infection in the state, which has spread to at least 45 states and struck more than 18,000 people.
"According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration," the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. "No additional information will be provided on these two cases."
"Cyclosporiasis is generally not a life-threatening illness," the statement continued. "Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States."
Dr. Natalie Azar, a medical contributor at NBC News, said death from the illness usually comes as a result of dehydration.
"Death from cyclosporiasis is not a common outcome, but we know it can happen," Azar told the outlet. "The main reasons are typically from the effects of severe dehydration -- if you're having so much nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and you're not rehydrating properly."
Only five states -- Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Mexico and South Carolina -- have not reported cases of cyclosporiasis, which spreads through food or water contaminated by feces.
The crisis is the largest known outbreak of the illness in U.S. history.
It can take up to two weeks after eating contaminated food for the illness to strike. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, severe stomach cramps, loss of appetite and fatigue.