Weitz & Luxenberg Investigating Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Claims

Weitz & Luxenberg is accepting personal injury and wrongful death cases from people who developed cyclosporiasis after being exposed to cyclospora in Michigan. We are seeking compensation on behalf of anyone who has died, required hospitalization, or developed severe symptoms of cyclosporiasis.

Large Number of Cases in Michigan

Already, 14,277 cases were reported in Michigan. Two people in Michigan have died. An additional 335 people were hospitalized. Although thousands of cases were reported across the country, Michigan seems to have been hit the hardest by the outbreak. ^{(1) (2)}

Currently, other states affected by the outbreak include Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Seventeen states total have seen an outbreak. A total of 47 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have seen confirmed cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15,716 cases were confirmed by laboratory testing since the outbreak began. ^{(3) (4)}

We encourage you to contact us today if you were diagnosed with cyclospora. If you developed cyclosporiasis and developed severe symptoms, you may be able to seek compensation. We can help you consider your legal options.

Lettuce Contaminated with Cyclospora May Be the Culprit

Just a few weeks ago, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce that it had received from central Mexico. That lettuce, specifically from Mexico, seems to be at least one source of the outbreak. The company recalled bagged salads sold in grocery stores and being served in restaurants, including Taco Bell. ⁽⁵⁾

Cyclosporiasis Comes from a Parasite

You can develop cyclosporiasis if you are exposed to the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning. You generally start to experience symptoms within 7 days of being exposed, although it can take longer to manifest. This parasite is typically spread through contaminated food or water. ⁽⁶⁾

The parasite is tiny. You can’t see it without a microscope. You won’t see anything wrong with the lettuce you buy in a store just by examining it. ⁽⁷⁾

Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis

The primary symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea. Other possible symptoms include: ⁽⁸⁾

• Stomach cramps.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Bloating, burping, or farting.
• Extreme tiredness or fatigue.
• Low-grade fever.
• Loss of appetite.

If you develop a cyclospora infection, it can range from mild to severe. Some people do not develop any symptoms. ⁽⁹⁾

People most at risk for developing a severe infection have a weakened immune system already. Also, young children and older adults may be more likely to develop severe symptoms. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Potential Complications of Cyclosporiasis

Sometimes people who develop food poisoning from the cyclospora parasite suffer major complications. These include: ⁽¹¹⁾

• Severe dehydration: Severe signs of dehydration include headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Severe dehydration can become life-threatening. Some people may experience heatstroke. ⁽¹²⁾
• Electrolyte imbalance: Extreme diarrhea can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Signs of an imbalance include weakness and muscle spasms. ⁽¹³⁾
• Loss of volume of bodily fluids: Vital fluids are what keep your organs functioning. If you’ve lost a lot of fluid in your body, you may feel weak, tired, and dizzy. If left untreated, you may experience organ damage, shock, or even death. ⁽¹⁴⁾

“Generally, cyclosporiasis itself is not life-threatening. However, when people have underlying conditions, this infection can lead to severe complications. We already know that the two individuals who died from the infection had underlying health issues. And many patients suffered symptoms severe enough that they had to go to the hospital. Please take any possible symptoms of cyclosporiasis seriously. Seemingly typical food poisoning symptoms can easily go from bad to worse,” says Paul F. Novak, Weitz & Luxenberg partner and head of our Detroit office.

Preventing Cyclosporiasis

One way you may be able to minimize the risk of cyclosporiasis is to take special care with any salad greens and other produce you purchase from the grocery store. ⁽¹⁵⁾

• Don’t purchase pre-packaged lettuce or salad greens that come in bags.
• Be sure to remove and throw away the outer layers of any whole heads of lettuce or other greens.
• Thoroughly wash all inner leaves of lettuce heads under running water.
• Cook your greens to at least 158 degrees because heat kills the parasite.
• Remove the outer skin from fruits and vegetables purchased.
• Run all fresh produce under safe, clean, running water — even if you plan to discard the skin.

W&L Helps Victims of Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in Michigan

W&L has secured billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients across the country, many of whom have suffered severe personal injuries. Our Detroit, Michigan based attorneys know how to win lawsuits there. And our attorneys in our other offices in New York, New Jersey, and California represent clients in those states and elsewhere throughout the country, often in national multidistrict litigations.

If you or someone you love has developed cyclosporiasis food poisoning due to cyclospora-contaminated lettuce, Weitz & Luxenberg can help you. If you are feeling sick or require hospitalization, you may be entitled to compensation for your personal injury. Or, in the worst-case scenario, if your loved one died due to complications from cyclosporiasis, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

We urge you to reach out to us today. Your time to file a lawsuit is limited. One of our experienced Michigan personal injury attorneys can help you consider your legal options.

Please contact us by calling (917) LAWYERS or you can fill out the form on this page. A W&L representative can reach out to you shortly.