US cyclosporiasis outbreak kills two people in Michigan, officials say

Two individuals in Michigan have died from cyclosporiasis, marking the first fatalities in a large U.S. outbreak of the intestinal illness. Both deceased had significant underlying health conditions. The outbreak, which has expanded to nine states, has been linked by the FDA to iceberg lettuce from Mexico, though investigations continue for other potential sources. Michigan has reported over 11,000 outbreak-linked cases and 193 hospitalizations. Nationwide, the CDC has recorded over 6,700 laboratory-confirmed cases. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe diarrhea and nausea.

Michigan health officials announced Monday that two individuals have died from a cyclospora outbreak, marking the first U.S. deaths linked to the parasite. Both deceased individuals had pre-existing health conditions that may have been exacerbated by the intestinal illness and dehydration. Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite causing watery diarrhea, is rarely fatal according to the CDC. The current widespread outbreak has seen over 4,100 confirmed cases and more than 7,400 likely cases reported across 41 states since May 1st. Lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in nine states has been identified as a source for a significant portion of these cases.