MICHIGAN - Two Michigan residents who contracted the diarrhea-causing parasitic illness cyclosporiasis have died, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. This marks the first U.S. deaths linked to the illness since the outbreak started in May. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which is spread through food or water contaminated with human feces. But, in most cases, cyclosporiasis is not considered life-threatening. Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases across 45 states.