U.S. Records Two Deaths in Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Two individuals have died in the United States after contracting Cyclosporiasis, marking the first known fatalities linked to the largest recorded outbreak of the disease in the country. The infections are primarily concentrated in Michigan, which has reported 11,234 cases as of Monday, including 193 hospitalizations.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 6,707 laboratory cases nationwide as of July 28, with more than 11,500 suspected cases pending confirmation. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically contracted through contaminated food or water.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has traced part of the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, served at Taco Bell restaurants, which has since been recalled.

Investigators are exploring other potential food sources as the outbreak may involve multiple simultaneous infections.