Despite low risk: Intestinal disease causes first two deaths

For the first time in US history, two people have died from cyclosporiasis in Michigan, the US Department of Health announced on Monday. This follows a record surge in cases linked to contaminated lettuce, which was later identified in products sold at the fast-food chain Taco Bell.

Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease caused by the Cyclospora parasite, is not generally considered life-threatening. However, officials in Michigan noted that both deceased individuals had significant underlying conditions, which, according to medical records, may have been exacerbated by the disease and the dehydration associated with it.

An FDA investigation linked the outbreak, which has spread to nine states, to iceberg lettuce, but authorities are still looking for other potential sources. Health officials in Michigan reported 11,234 cases linked to the outbreak, an increase of 461 cases from the last update. The outbreak has led to 193 hospitalizations, according to the latest data from the state's Department of Health.

Nationally, the CDC recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28, with over 11,500 additional suspected cases still awaiting verification or further investigation.

"This development highlights the importance of identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing further illness," said Wade Sayers, a food safety expert at the Michigan State University extension.