Health

Michigan confirms two deaths as officials investigate a major cyclospora outbreak. Both of these individuals fell ill prior to the voluntary iceberg lettuce recall announced on July 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged the Michigan deaths on Aug. 3, describing them as deaths associated with cyclosporiasis involving persons with pre-existing conditions. The total number of cases reported by Michigan encompasses all data collected during the investigation and remains subject to adjustment. Federal surveillance figures, which typically include laboratory-confirmed cases, might differ from the state’s totals that also consider probable illnesses. Additionally, federal authorities are probing a nine-state outbreak of Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico. As of July 24, nine states had documented 1,947 infected individuals who also reported exposure to Taco Bell. At least 98 cases required hospitalization in the federal count. The onset of illness ranged from June 22 through July 20. The CDC later recognized Michigan’s two deaths, which had not been part of the detailed federal totals published on July 24. Recall Involves Iceberg Lettuce from Central Mexico Taylor Farms de Mexico has removed all iceberg lettuce originating from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The recall included several food-service items and Marketside iceberg salad and shredded lettuce sold at selected Walmart stores. The use-by dates for affected products ranged from July 18 through August 3. Between June 29 and July 16, Taylor Fresh Foods distributed the

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DR Congo expands its Ebola response as cases rise across five affected provinces. The outbreak now affects 49 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo. During the latest seven-day period, active transmission was confirmed in 33 zones, with a total of 641 cases and 282 deaths. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for 3,176 infections, which represents 88% of the national total. Bunia experienced the highest number of cases, with significant figures also reported in Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Lita, and Nyankunde, as health teams expanded efforts in contact tracing and testing.