2 Dead in Outbreak of Diarrhea-Causing Parasite: Officials

The outbreak has caused thousands of cases across multiple states.

A farmer washes lettuce in a backyard urban farm in Los Angeles, on March 25, 2020. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Michigan authorities on Aug. 3 linked two deaths to the cyclosporiasis outbreak in the state.

“Two deaths have been identified as part of the cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Michigan,” the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.

“According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. No additional information will be provided on these two cases.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In its latest update on cyclosporiasis, the CDC said on July 28 that it had received no reports of deaths from states.

The outbreak affecting Michigan has also impacted eight other states, federal officials said in July. Iceberg lettuce from Mexico is believed to be a cause of the outbreak.

Michigan has recorded 11,234 cases in recent months, including 193 hospitalizations.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora that is present in produce contaminated with feces. Past outbreaks have been caused by produce such as salad greens, raspberries, and cilantro.

This is a developing story that will be updated.