Two Die in U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak; Lettuce Linked to Spread

Two individuals have died in Michigan due to a cyclospora parasite outbreak, marking the first known fatalities linked to the widespread epidemic causing severe diarrhea across the United States. Michigan health authorities announced the deaths on Monday.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed awareness of two cyclospora-related deaths in Michigan, both involving individuals with underlying health conditions. The CDC has reported nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed infections across 45 states, with the outbreak's likely source identified as chopped iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The CDC noted in July that infections had been detected in states including Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

Concerns about the outbreak initially surfaced when many sick individuals reported eating at Taco Bell in June, where the implicated lettuce was used. The fast-food chain removed the product from its menu before Taylor Farms issued a recall. Cyclospora, a parasite that can contaminate fresh produce and water, causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and mild fever. While most infected individuals recover within one to two weeks with proper diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, the CDC states that cyclospora infections are not typically common in the U.S., though epidemics can occur periodically.