Two people have died in the cyclospora outbreak in Michigan in the first confirmed deaths in the U.S. related to the microscopic parasite, state health officials announced.

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

Michigan health officials reported two cyclosporiasis-linked deaths Monday, as total cases in the state surpass 11,000.

The CDC says cyclosporiasis is rarely deadly

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

The Michigan health department said two people were dead after contracting the cyclospora parasite.