Michigan health authorities on Wednesday reported 12,218 cases linked to the state’s ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, an increase of 710 cases from the previous day’s update.
The outbreak has been linked to the first two reported deaths, with state officials saying both individuals had significant underlying health conditions. Authorities noted that the patients became ill before the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of certain iceberg lettuce products on July 17.
As of July 30, the outbreak had resulted in 193 hospitalisations in Michigan, according to the state’s latest health data.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite and commonly leads to diarrhoea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Nationally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cases and is monitoring more than 12,255 additional suspected cases awaiting confirmation. The agency noted that its national surveillance data typically lags behind state reporting.
The FDA has linked the multistate outbreak, now affecting nine states, to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico, although investigators continue to examine other possible sources of contamination.
The outbreak has also affected consumer confidence, with many Americans avoiding certain restaurant chains and reducing purchases of lettuce while the investigation continues.