Two Michigan deaths first of multistate cyclospora outbreak

Michigan health authorities announced Monday that two people had died from cyclosporiasis, a diarrhea-causing illness spread by the cyclospora parasite. The deaths were the first amid an outbreak that began in May, including 6,707 lab-confirmed cases in nine states and 423 hospitalizations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to verified cases, federal authorities are aware of 11,500 other cases that require more investigation. Many of the cases have been reported in Michigan.

The illness is rarely fatal, especially in the United States. Both people who died had serious underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and resulting dehydration, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The two deceased patients became ill before the FDA recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico that was linked to cyclosporiasis. However, officials have not clearly confirmed a source for the outbreak. The parasite typically spreads via contaminated produce.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report for more on the possible source of the outbreak.