Michigan Reports First Cyclospora Deaths

Michigan health officials have logged the first two deaths in the national cyclospora outbreak. The state's Health and Human Services Department said Monday the two deaths involved people who had serious underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by the infection and resulting dehydration, reports NBC News. Health officials released no other details about the deaths, per the AP.

Cyclosporiasis, caused by the cyclospora parasite spread through contaminated food or water, can trigger intense diarrhea and vomiting, but those with healthy immune systems typically recover. The deaths come amid a record number of US cases, with the CDC investigating more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases across 45 states, reports the New York Times. Michigan alone accounts for more than 11,000 infections. Health authorities previously identified lettuce sourced from Mexico and served at Taco Bell as a source of the outbreak.