Authorities in the US state of Michigan have confirmed the deaths of two people in a cyclospora outbreak, marking the first recorded fatal cases linked to the microscopic parasite in the United States.
Michigan health officials said both individuals had significant underlying health conditions and were affected by intestinal illness and dehydration.
"This development highlights the importance of identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing additional illnesses," Wade Syers, a food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension, told Reuters.
The US Department of Health and Human Services said it was aware of the reports from Michigan, while state officials said there were no updates on the ongoing investigation.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an illness that commonly leads to watery diarrhoea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is rarely fatal.
Federal authorities have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states as the source of the outbreak, while investigations continue into possible additional sources.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the state has recorded 11,234 outbreak-linked cases, up from 461 reported during an update on Friday. The outbreak has also resulted in 193 hospitalisations.
Nationwide, the CDC has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases awaiting confirmation or further investigation.
