A deadly Cyclosporiasis outbreak has swept across the United States, claiming two lives and infecting over 6,700 people in what officials say is the largest recorded outbreak of the parasitic disease.
The deaths occurred in Michigan, the hardest-hit state, where health authorities confirmed both patients had serious underlying medical conditions worsened by the infection. Michigan has recorded 11,234 cases as of Monday, including 193 hospitalisations, with the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide and over 11,500 suspected cases awaiting confirmation.
The US Food and Drug Administration has linked part of the outbreak to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in central Mexico and served at Taco Bell restaurants. The affected lettuce has since been recalled, but investigators believe other food sources may also be responsible.
Public health experts have warned that recent staffing and funding cuts across US health agencies may have slowed efforts to investigate and contain the outbreak, raising broader concerns about the safety of the US food supply.