LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Monday that the first two deaths linked to the country's cyclosporiasis outbreak have been reported.
"CDC is aware of two cyclosporiasis-related deaths in people with underlying health conditions from Michigan as part of this outbreak," the CDC said in a notice, adding that it will update its website to include laboratory-confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, medical records indicate that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
State health officials said no additional information about the two cases would be released. However, they emphasized that cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening and that deaths associated with the illness are rare in the United States.
The department said it is continuing to investigate the outbreak in the state.
"While the investigation is ongoing, available information indicates that lettuce or salad greens may be a potential source of this outbreak. However, other food items cannot be completely ruled out. No specific type of produce, grower, or supplier has been identified as the source," it said. ■