Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two deaths linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, a parasitic infection spread through contaminated food or water that can cause severe diarrhoea.

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

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