The cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan, believed to stem from contaminated food, has claimed its first lives. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that two people died from the outbreak. These are the first fatalities recorded in the ongoing nationwide outbreak.
According to department data, cases in the state have climbed to 11,234. Since July 30, 193 people with severe symptoms have been hospitalized. Those who died also had other serious health conditions in addition to the parasite-borne intestinal disease.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that as of July 30, over 18,000 cases had been identified in 45 states across the country. The Michigan deaths are the first fatalities recorded in the nationwide outbreak.
State authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the outbreak. Initial inquiries suggest the outbreak may have originated from lettuce or other leafy greens.