Two people have died from cyclosporiasis in Michigan, marking the first fatalities linked to the largest US outbreak of the intestinal illness, the state’s health department said on Monday.
Health officials said both individuals had serious underlying medical conditions that may have been worsened by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the outbreak, now spread across nine states, to iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms’ operations in central Mexico, although investigators are continuing to examine other possible sources.
Michigan has recorded 11,234 outbreak-related cases, an increase of 461 since Friday, along with 193 hospitalisations, according to the latest state data.
Wayne County has reported the highest number of infections with 1,379 cases, while adults aged 30 to 39 have been the most affected, accounting for 2,216 cases.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said laboratory-confirmed cases have continued to rise nationwide. As of July 28, the agency had confirmed 6,707 cases, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases awaiting confirmation or further investigation.
Cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, typically causes severe diarrhoea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms and is generally not considered life-threatening.
Former CDC officials and food safety experts have warned that staffing cuts at federal health agencies have complicated the government’s ability to respond effectively to foodborne disease outbreaks.