Two Michigan Cyclospora Deaths Reported as Eli Lilly Expands Special Retatrutide Access

Two people in Michigan have died after contracting cyclospora, a parasitic infection that is rarely fatal but can be severe for those with underlying health conditions. State health officials confirmed these are the first confirmed deaths in the United States linked to the parasite.

The outbreak was traced to contaminated iceberg lettuce, which has since been recalled. Health officials warned that dehydration and intestinal illness from the infection likely worsened the victims' pre‑existing conditions.

Separately, Eli Lilly announced it will broaden special access to its experimental drug retatrutide, following a recent case where a 79‑year‑old patient received the therapy under a compassionate‑use program.

The company’s move aims to provide additional treatment options while the drug continues its regulatory review, signaling ongoing interest in its potential benefits for weight management and metabolic disease.