US reports two deaths in cyclospora outbreak as ‘explosive diarrhea’ crisis deepens
- Two people in Michigan have died due to the cyclospora outbreak, marking the first confirmed fatalities in the U.S. linked to the microscopic parasite.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that both people had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration.
- Cyclospora infections occur from consuming food contaminated with human feces, often through produce irrigated or washed with tainted water, and lead to severe intestinal issues.
- Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico, served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states, as a source of the widespread outbreak.
- The current cyclospora outbreak has set a U.S. record, with over 4,100 confirmed cases and more than 7,400 likely cases reported across 41 states, as investigations continue to identify other potential sources.
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