Michigan health officials on Tuesday reported 11,508 cases linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak, up by more than ​200 from the previous day's update.

The state also ‌reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak, noting that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions.

An ​FDA investigation has linked the outbreak, which has expanded to ​nine states, to iceberg lettuce served at Taco ⁠Bell restaurants and sourced from privately held Taylor Farms ​operations in central Mexico, but authorities are still looking ​for other potential sources.

Michigan said the two deaths were linked to illnesses that began before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced ​a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce by Taylor Farms ​on July 17.

The outbreak in Michigan has resulted in 193 hospitalisations as ‌of ⁠July 30, according to the state health department's latest update.

Cyclospora infections, which can cause diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, have been rising steadily across the U.S.

Cyclosporiasis can ​be contracted by ​consuming food, ⁠typically raw fruits and vegetables, or water contaminated with feces.

Consumers in the U.S. have ​been steering clear of some restaurant chains and ​buying less ⁠lettuce in grocery stores as the parasitic disease has fueled confusion over what is safe to eat.

Former CDC officials ⁠and ​food safety experts said cuts across federal ​health agencies have complicated the government's ability to respond to foodborne disease ​outbreaks.

-Reuters