Michigan health officials confirmed two deaths linked to the largest US outbreak of cyclosporiasis, marking the first fatalities of the intestinal illness in the country [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Both individuals who died had significant underlying health conditions, and infection with cyclospora, along with dehydration, may have worsened their pre-existing illnesses [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 6, 7, 9].
As of early August 2026, Michigan has reported 11,234 cases connected to the outbreak, along with 193 hospitalizations, with Wayne County hardest hit and adults aged 30-39 most affected [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9]. Nationwide, the CDC recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases as of July 28, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases pending confirmation [1, 10, 4, 5, 7]. The outbreak has spread to at least 15 states including recent additions Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina [10]. Arkansas health officials noted the state's inclusion in the multi-state outbreak [10].
The common source of the outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in central Mexico. The company voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce products distributed to restaurants across 27 states and grocery stores in 15 states [1, 10, 2, 3, 4, 8, 6, 9]. California has reported no unusual spike in cases and did not receive the recalled products [8, 9].
Cyclospora is a parasite spread by consuming food or water contaminated with feces. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and dehydration. Without treatment, the illness can last from days to months [1, 10, 2, 4, 5, 6]. Seasonal outbreaks typically occur in late spring and summer [1, 10, 2, 4, 5, 6].
Food safety experts cited government funding cuts as factors complicating the response to the outbreak [1]. Consumer confidence has declined, resulting in reduced sales of lettuce and fewer customers at some restaurant chains such as Sweetgreen and Chipotle [2, 6].
The US Department of Health and Human Services is aware of the deaths and continues to monitor the investigation [1, 4]. The CDC began tracking cases nationwide on May 1. On July 24, it reported the outbreak spanning nine states, expanding to 15 states by August 4 [1, 10, 3]. Michigan’s case numbers have risen steadily, with an increase of 461 cases reported between late July and August 2026 [1, 2, 5, 7].
