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Cyclospora: First Deaths Reported in Michigan Amid Severe Outbreak
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Two Michigan residents have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, marking the first reported deaths linked to the state's Cyclospora outbreak , according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The two Michigan deaths appear to be the first fatalities publicly reported in connection with the current nationwide Cyclospora outbreak, according to updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and Michigan health officials. State officials said both individuals had "significant underlying health conditions" that may have been complicated by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
Newsweek reached out to the CDC by email for comment.
According to the CDC, the 2026 cyclospora season has seen an unusually large increase in illnesses nationwide. Since May 1, the agency has received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases and is aware of more than 11,500 additional cases that are either unconfirmed or still under investigation, with many reported by Michigan and Ohio. The CDC is investigating several clusters of infections, including a multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce , and notes that reported case counts likely underestimate the true number of illnesses because many infections go undiagnosed or have not yet completed the reporting process. The agency says cyclospora cases typically rise during the May-to-August season and has begun issuing weekly surveillance updates because 2026 case levels are significantly higher than those seen during the same period in 2025.
The outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has sickened at least 1,947 people and resulted in at least 98 hospitalizations across nine states.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), both individuals who died had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. Officials have not released additional details about the patients and emphasized that deaths resulting from cyclospora infection remain uncommon in the United States.
The deaths come as Michigan's outbreak continues to grow. As of August 3, MDHHS reported 11,234 cases statewide and 193 hospitalizations. The true number of infections may be even higher because many people recover without seeking medical care or are never tested for the parasite .
Health authorities stress that cyclosporiasis is generally not considered life-threatening, but severe diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dangerous dehydration, particularly among older adults and people with underlying health problems. Investigators continue to examine the outbreak's source.
Public health officials have not advised consumers to avoid all fresh produce, but they are urging people to pay close attention to outbreak notices and recalls. In the current U.S. outbreaks, investigators have linked illnesses to products containing iceberg lettuce, prompting several recalls from Taylor Farms. Consumers should check for ongoing FDA and CDC updates and avoid any recalled products or foods identified as part of outbreak investigations.
Newsweek reached out to Taylor Farms by email for comment.
Cyclospora is spread when food or water becomes contaminated with the microscopic parasite, often before it reaches consumers. While washing fruits and vegetables is always recommended, experts note that Cyclospora can be particularly difficult to remove completely through rinsing alone. If a specific product is implicated in an outbreak, the safest approach is to avoid eating it until health officials determine the contamination risk has passed.
Cyclospora infections are caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis . People become sick after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, which is most commonly associated with fresh produce. Unlike many foodborne bacteria, Cyclospora typically requires days to weeks in the environment before it becomes infectious, meaning the parasite is generally not spread directly from one sick person to another.
The source of contamination in each outbreak can vary and is often difficult to identify. Investigators frequently trace cases to fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, or leafy greens that may have been exposed to contaminated water or unsanitary conditions during growing, harvesting, or processing. In the current investigations, federal and state officials are continuing to examine supply chains to determine exactly how the contamination occurred and whether additional products may be involved.
Federal investigators say contaminated lettuce imported from Mexico and served at Taco Bell locations in five states has been identified as one source of the broader Cyclospora outbreak.
Cyclospora infection, known as cyclosporiasis, most commonly causes prolonged, watery diarrhea that can be explosive. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Symptoms often begin about a week after a person consumes contaminated food, though the timing can vary from person to person.
Without treatment, symptoms can last for days or even weeks and may come and go over time. The standard treatment is the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), according to the CDC. Most people recover fully with appropriate treatment, but anyone experiencing severe diarrhea, dehydration, persistent symptoms, or signs of illness after eating recalled products should contact a healthcare provider. Staying hydrated is especially important while recovering from the infection.
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