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. The two individuals had "significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration", state health authorities said. While the outbreak has infected thousands of people, the CDC says deaths from cyclosporiasis are far from common, as it is "not usually life-threatening". Officials have linked this year's widespread outbreak to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico, a key supplier for many food establishments in the US. UK health officials too have warned about the outbreak following recent cases contracted by returning travellers.