Health officials in the US state of Michigan have confirmed the first two deaths linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak.
Cyclospora is a parasitic infection spread through contaminated food or water that can cause severe diarrhoea.
Authorities say the two individuals had “significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration”.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the foodborne illness has spread to 45 states, with nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported nationwide.
While the outbreak has infected thousands of people, the CDC says deaths from cyclosporiasis are far from common, as it is “not usually life-threatening”.
According to BBC News, officials have linked this year’s widespread outbreak to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico, a key supplier for many food establishments in the US.
Past outbreaks have occurred when people consumed fruits or vegetables irrigated with water contaminated by faeces.
The CDC recommends washing all produce under running water, including those labelled as pre-washed.
However, washing alone might not be enough to rid produce of the parasite, and the CDC recommends cooking produce to a temperature of at least 70°C to kill the parasite.
