Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak reaches 12,218 cases, 2 deaths

Investing.com -- Michigan health officials reported 12,218 cases linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak on Wednesday, marking an increase of 710 cases from the previous day's count.

The state confirmed the first two deaths connected to the outbreak. Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions, according to health officials.

The two Michigan patients became ill before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce on July 17.

The outbreak has led to 193 hospitalizations as of July 30, the state health department said in its latest update.

Cases of the intestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite have increased across the United States in recent months, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The parasite can cause diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The CDC has received reports of 10,468 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 12,255 additional cases that are not laboratory-confirmed. The agency's surveillance data lags state reporting by several weeks.

An FDA investigation linked the multistate outbreak, which has spread to nine states, to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. Authorities continue to search for other potential sources.

Consumers in the U.S. have reduced visits to some restaurant chains and purchased less lettuce in grocery stores as the multistate outbreak has created uncertainty about food safety.

Cyclosporiasis can be contracted by consuming food, typically raw fruits and vegetables, or water contaminated with feces.

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