- Two people in Michigan have died due to the cyclospora outbreak, marking the first confirmed fatalities in the U.S. linked to the microscopic parasite.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that both people had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration.
- Cyclospora infections occur from consuming food contaminated with human feces, often through produce irrigated or washed with tainted water, and lead to severe intestinal issues.
- Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico, served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states, as a source of the widespread outbreak.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current cyclospora surge. However, CDC numbers can lag state reports, which suggest the number is more than 20,000 nationwide
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