Two people have died from cyclosporiasis in Michigan, the state’s health department said Monday, marking the first deaths linked to the largest U.S. outbreak of the intestinal illness.
Health officials said both individuals had serious underlying medical conditions that may have been worsened by cyclosporiasis and dehydration, based on their medical records.
The Michigan Department of Health told Reuters there are no new updates in the ongoing investigation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the outbreak, which has spread across nine states, to iceberg lettuce supplied by privately owned Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. However, authorities are still investigating other possible sources of the outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is generally not considered a life-threatening illness.
Michigan health officials reported 11,234 outbreak-related cases on Monday, an increase of 461 since Friday. According to the latest data, the outbreak has led to 193 hospitalizations.
Wayne County has recorded the highest number of infections, with 1,379 cases. Adults between the ages of 30 and 39 have been the most affected group, accounting for 2,216 reported cases.
Cases of the intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite have continued to rise across the United States in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Common symptoms include severe diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal problems.
Nationwide, the CDC had confirmed 6,707 laboratory-tested cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28. More than 11,500 additional suspected cases are still awaiting confirmation or further investigation.
The CDC reports only laboratory-confirmed cases in its national updates, while state health departments may also include probable cases, which can result in higher state-level totals. The agency said it is working with states to update the national figures as more cases are confirmed.
Former CDC officials and food safety experts have said staff cuts across federal health agencies have made it more difficult for the government to respond to foodborne disease outbreaks.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it is aware of the two deaths reported in Michigan.
Wade Syers, a food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension, said the deaths highlight the need to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent more people from becoming sick.
As the multistate outbreak continues, many consumers in the United States have avoided some restaurant chains and are buying less lettuce from grocery stores because of uncertainty about which foods are safe to eat.
