LANSING, Mich. , Two people have died in Michigan from a cyclospora outbreak, marking the first confirmed U.S. fatalities linked to the microscopic parasite, state health officials announced Monday.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both individuals had underlying health conditions that may have been aggravated by the intestinal illness and dehydration.
The department declined to release additional information about the deaths.
The parasite infects food that has come into contact with human feces, typically when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. Once ingested, it causes an intestinal illness characterized by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in five U.S. states as one source of the widespread outbreak.
Cyclospora cases have reached record levels nationwide. Since May 1, the CDC has received reports of more than 4,100 confirmed cases and is investigating more than 7,400 probable cases across 41 states. Federal health officials have said other “brands, restaurants, retailers or distribution channels” may be connected to the outbreak.