Two people in Michigan have died in connection with the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, health officials reported Monday. These are the first known deaths related to the multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the United States.

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh food or water and lead to severe diarrhea in those infected. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.

A total of 11,234 cases have been reported in Michigan so far, including 193 that had been hospitalized. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified more than 18,000 cases of domestic cyclosporiasis this season; 6,707 cases are confirmed, and about 11,500 others are undergoing further laboratory testing and analysis to determine whether the illness was acquired in the U.S.

Multiple clusters of cyclosporiasis cases are being investigated this year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in collaboration with the CDC and state partners, including the particularly large multistate outbreak centered in the Midwest.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.