Cuts across federal health agencies have complicated the government’s ability to respond to foodborne disease outbreaks.

Health officials in Michigan reported the deaths of two people who had cyclosporiasis — the first deaths linked to the ongoing outbreak of the diarrheal illness that has impacted…

They are the first reported deaths linked to a massive outbreak of the intestinal illness that began in May.

The CDC says cyclosporiasis is rarely deadly

Cases in the state and eight others have been linked to contaminated lettuce