LANSING, Mich. — Since May, news of what some have referred to as the “diarrhea outbreak” has spread across the country. More than 30 states have confirmed cases.
On Monday morning, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the outbreak now has a death toll. Two patients from Michigan, the epicenter of the outbreak, have died of the disease.
Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. No additional information will be provided about the two cases.
More than 11,000 cases of the foodborne illness have been confirmed in Michigan and 193 people have been hospitalized since early May.
The source of the outbreak has been traced to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from central Mexico. In mid-July, Taylor Farms recalled the lettuce, which had been served at Taco Bell locations and sold in bagged salads at grocery stores.
Deaths from cyclosporiasis are far from common, as the infection is generally not a life-threatening illness, the department said. The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms contact their healthcare provider and specifically request testing for cyclosporiasis, as standard stool tests often miss the parasite.