LANSING, Mich. (WLKI) - Two people in Michigan have died amid the state's ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
State health officials said both people had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by the parasitic illness and dehydration.
Their ages and communities have not been released. MDHHS said it would not provide additional identifying information.
The deaths appear to be the first reported in connection with the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported no fatalities as of July 27.
Michigan had 11,234 cases as of August 3. The state typically records about 50 cases in an entire year.
As of July 30, 193 Michigan patients had reported being hospitalized.
Ohio has confirmed more than 4,000 cases, while Indiana has confirmed 1,285.
Investigators have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce. Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It is generally spread through contaminated food or water and does not usually pass directly from person to person.
Symptoms may include frequent watery bowel movements, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever. Diagnosis requires a stool sample, and the illness can be treated with antibiotics.
Health officials recommend buying whole heads of lettuce instead of prewashed bagged lettuce or salad kits. Consumers should remove the outer two or three layers and thoroughly wash the remaining leaves.
All fruits and vegetables should be washed under running water before being eaten, cut or cooked. Cut, peeled or cooked produce should be refrigerated promptly.