Michigan reports two deaths in ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak

Aug 3 - Two deaths have been identified as part of a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Michigan, the state's health department said on Monday.

Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration, according to medical records. No additional information will be provided on these two cases, the department said.

Cyclosporiasis is generally not a life-threatening illness. Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States.

Cases of the intestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite, which can cause diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, have risen steadily across the United States in recent months, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Michigan health officials reported 11,234 cases linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an increase of 461 cases since its last update on Friday.

The outbreak in Michigan has resulted in 193 hospitalizations, as of July 30, the state health department's latest update said.

Nationwide, the CDC has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases still awaiting confirmation or further investigation.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. REUTERS