A continuing concern over an intestinal illness across the country has now turned deadly, with the first two deaths reported, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. The station reported that the ongoing record outbreak of a parasitic stomach illness has claimed its first lives.
Officials in Michigan are reporting the two deaths, the station reported. Eyewitness News ABC7NY said that in both cases the patients had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
Nationwide, more than 18,000 people have gotten sick in 45 states, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. The station reported that the scale of the outbreak has made it a record for the illness.
The FDA has linked cases in Michigan and eight other states to iceberg lettuce, the station reported. Eyewitness News ABC7NY said the lettuce was sourced by Taylor Farms in Central Mexico and then served at Taco Bell.
The companies voluntarily recalled that lettuce, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. The station reported that the recall followed the identification of the product as a likely source of the contamination.
This illness is not typically deadly, the station reported. Eyewitness News ABC7NY noted that the two Michigan deaths involved patients whose underlying conditions may have been worsened by the infection and dehydration.
Officials are still investigating any other sources of food that may have been contaminated, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. The station reported that the inquiry into the outbreak remains ongoing.