Michigan health officials reported two deaths connected to the cyclospora outbreak, the first U.S. deaths confirmed in association with the parasite. Federal investigators have linked part of the broader outbreak to lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in nine states. State officials confirmed two deaths among people with underlying conditions as the multistate foodborne-illness investigation continued.
Michigan officials confirmed that two people died in connection with the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, the first such deaths reported in the United States. Both people had underlying health conditions that officials said may have been affected by intestinal illness and dehydration.
Cyclospora commonly causes prolonged watery diarrhea and can also produce appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, nausea, and fatigue. Federal investigators identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in nine states as one source within the widespread outbreak.
The parasite infects the bowel and spreads through fecal contamination rather than direct person-to-person transmission under ordinary conditions. Michigan said it would not release additional identifying information about the people who died.
Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States are most common in late spring and summer. The infection is treatable with a specific antibiotic combination, but prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Food investigations may contain multiple clusters, and identifying one source does not automatically explain every reported illness. Officials did not disclose enough clinical detail to determine the precise contribution of cyclospora to either death.
Updated federal case counts and any additional food or restaurant links. Further guidance for people with symptoms or underlying health conditions.
Both people had underlying health conditions that officials said may have been affected by intestinal illness and dehydration. Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States are most common in late spring and summer. The parasite infects the bowel and spreads through fecal contamination rather than direct person-to-person transmission under ordinary conditions.
Cyclospora commonly causes prolonged watery diarrhea and can also produce appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, nausea, and fatigue. Food investigations may contain multiple clusters, and identifying one source does not automatically explain every reported illness. Officials did not disclose enough clinical detail to determine the precise contribution of cyclospora to either death.