Two die from Cyclospora in Michigan; both had underlying conditions

Two people have died in the cyclospora outbreak in Michigan, the first deaths in the U.S. related to the parasite.

Both deceased individuals had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite causing watery diarrhea; outbreaks occur in late spring and summer, and the illness is rarely deadly.

The CDC reports over 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current surge, with more than 20,000 nationwide according to state reports.

Federal health officials identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in nine states as a source of the widespread outbreak.