Michigan reports first two U.S. deaths in outbreak of cyclospora

Two people in Michigan have died from the cyclospora outbreak, marking the first confirmed deaths in the US related to the microscopic parasite. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, both individuals had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration.

The outbreak has been linked to lettuce sourced from central Mexico, specifically from Taylor Farms operations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of more than 4,100 confirmed cases and is investigating more than 7,400 other likely cases across 41 states, with Michigan being the hardest hit state, reporting 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations.

The cyclospora parasite typically causes intestinal illness marked by frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, and is generally not considered life-threatening. However, it can cause severe dehydration, particularly in people with compromised immune systems and elderly adults.

Brief written by urgent.news from STAT News, Medical Xpress, CNBC, Business Insider, Guardian Health — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.