Michigan Reports First US Deaths From Cyclospora

Michigan health officials announced Monday that two people have died in the state’s cyclospora outbreak — the first deaths confirmed in the United States related to the microscopic parasite that causes severe diarrhea. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said both individuals had “significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration,” according to AP News. The department said it would not provide additional information about the deaths.

A Record-Breaking Outbreak

The deaths come amid an unusually severe cyclosporiasis season that has shattered previous records. Michigan reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases on Monday, up 461 from Friday’s update, with 193 hospitalizations. Wayne County has reported the highest number of cases at 1,379 infections, while adults aged 30 to 39 have been the hardest hit, accounting for 2,216 reported cases, The Guardian reported.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases still awaiting confirmation. The CDC is aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current surge, while state reports suggest the number exceeds 20,000 nationwide. Cases have been reported in 45 states, according to the CDC.

Previously, 2019 saw the most reported U.S. cyclosporiasis cases, with about 4,700 — a record the current surge has far surpassed, making 2026 the worst year on record for the illness.

The Source: Lettuce from Mexico

Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in nine states as a source of the widespread outbreak. As of late July, the number of cases linked to the lettuce reached 1,947, including at least 98 hospitalizations, according to the CDC. The lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, sourced from central Mexico, and the company issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico on July 17, NPR reported.

The FDA confirmed that both individuals who died had illness onset dates prior to the Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntary recall. Federal health officials have stressed that other “brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels” could be tied to the outbreak as the investigation continues.

Michigan investigators are also trying to determine if the lettuce went to other restaurants or stores, as many ill people reported they did not eat at Taco Bell. There is no evidence the outbreak “is related to poor food handling or preparation at any single restaurant or fast-food chain,” Michigan health officials said.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces, and people can become infected by consuming fruits or vegetables exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.

The illness it causes, cyclosporiasis, is “generally not a life-threatening illness. Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States,” MDHHS said in a statement reported by NBC News.

Dr. Joel Kammeyer, division chief of infectious diseases at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center, called the deaths a “tragedy” but noted that despite thousands of cyclosporiasis cases, only two people have died. “For someone who comes into an urgent care and cyclosporiasis is their only issue, it’s relatively easy to treat,” he said. But for people struggling with other illnesses, “it stands to reason that there are some patients that might not be able to withstand the dehydration that can come with severe cyclosporiasis.”

Cyclospora can lead to dehydration because of the loss of fluid through severe diarrhea and vomiting, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The illness is often treated with Bactrim, an antibiotic, although many people with healthy immune systems often recover on their own.

Investigation and Response

The outbreak was first announced by Michigan officials on June 22, when they were aware of more than 170 cases in the southeastern corner of the state. Michigan usually identifies only about 50 cases each year, making this the largest cyclospora outbreak in state history. AP News reported that nearly 1,000 people had been diagnosed in Michigan by early July.

By mid-July, 2026 was already the nation’s worst year for reported cyclospora cases, with infections surpassing the 2019 record of about 4,700, according to AP News.

Wade Syers, food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension, said the deaths “highlight the importance of identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing additional illnesses,” as reported by Al Jazeera.

Taylor Farms issued a statement saying: “As a family owned and operated company, we are deeply concerned for those who became ill, their families, and the many Americans whose trust in the safety of their fresh produce has been shaken.”

What to Watch For

Health officials continue to investigate whether other sources beyond the Taco Bell lettuce are contributing to the outbreak. Michigan health officials recommend consumers purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes, and to remove the outer two to three leaves before washing the remaining leaves under running water. Cooking kills the parasite; heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher is effective.

People who have diarrhea that hasn’t gone away on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of cyclospora, officials say. As the investigation continues, the CDC and FDA are working to determine the full scope of the outbreak and whether additional sources of contamination exist.

The deaths mark a sobering milestone in what has already become the largest cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history — and health officials warn the case count may continue to rise as more laboratory-confirmed results come in.