Michigan reports 2 deaths in rare parasite outbreak that has sickened more than 11,000

Two people in Michigan have died in connection with the state’s sprawling cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking a rare fatal outcome from the intestinal parasite, health officials said Monday.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said the deaths were identified as part of the ongoing outbreak, which has so far sickened 11,234 people statewide. As of Thursday, 193 people with reported infections said they had been hospitalized.

According to the agency, medical records showed both people who died “had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.” Officials said no additional information about the cases will be released.

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State health officials are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak and said available evidence points to lettuce or salad greens as a potential culprit. However, investigators cautioned that other food items have not been ruled out, and no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified.

MDHHS said it is working with local health departments and other partners as the investigation continues and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

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Health officials emphasized that cyclosporiasis is generally not considered a life-threatening illness and that deaths associated with the infection are uncommon in the United States.

Fox News Digital’s Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.