Cyclospora outbreak claims first two official fatalities, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports

Two Michigan residents have died in connection with the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking the first fatalities officially linked to the parasitic illness since cases began surging earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Monday, August 3, 2026.

“Two deaths have been identified as part of the cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Michigan. According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. No additional information will be provided on these two cases,” MDHHS said, according to Newsweek, which reported the deaths appear to be the first fatalities officially connected to the outbreak.

MDHHS said cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening and that deaths from the infection are uncommon in the United States. The department has not disclosed the victims’ ages, locations or identities.

Michigan cases surpass 11,000

MDHHS reported 11,234 cyclosporiasis cases statewide as of August 3, up from 10,773 on July 31. At least 193 people had been hospitalized as of July 30.

Michigan typically records about 50 cyclosporiasis cases in an entire year, according to MDHHS. The current outbreak has therefore reached more than 200 times the state’s typical annual total.

Federal health officials have linked cases in Michigan and eight other states to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants.

An FDA spokesperson said the two Michigan residents who died became ill before Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, complicating efforts to establish whether the fatalities were connected to the recalled product.

CDC tally has not yet included deaths

The CDC’s national tally had not recorded any deaths when Michigan announced the fatalities, even though the broader outbreak had produced more than 18,000 confirmed and suspected illnesses nationwide.

The difference reflects the lag between state reporting and federal confirmation. As of July 24, the CDC and FDA had confirmed 1,947 cyclosporiasis cases linked specifically to the lettuce-related cluster, along with 98 hospitalizations.

Federal health agencies have warned that reporting can lag by about six weeks, meaning the national case count is expected to rise.

The CDC has identified cases in 34 states and expects illnesses to continue increasing through the end of August, when the typical Cyclospora season ends.

Ontario issues travel advisory

The outbreak has also spread beyond the U.S. border.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in Ontario urged residents to take precautions when traveling to Michigan amid the surge in cases. As of July 31, the region had identified 24 cyclosporiasis cases in 2026, compared with a typical annual average of about three.

“Local public health investigations have identified travel to Michigan as a common exposure among many recent cases,” the county health department said.

Taco Bell said last month that it had stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at its restaurants.

Taylor Farms, which supplied the lettuce, issued a voluntary recall covering iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

Michigan updates lettuce guidance

MDHHS has advised consumers to buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce or premixed salad kits. The department recommends discarding the outer two to three layers of leaves, then thoroughly washing the remaining leaves under clean running water.

For greens that can be cooked, MDHHS recommends heating them to an internal temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) as the safest option. The department noted that Cyclospora is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and that washing alone cannot guarantee removal of the parasite.

Health officials have emphasized that rinsing produce reduces risk but does not eliminate it. The CDC has also warned that chemical disinfectants and sanitizers may not fully remove the parasite.

Peeling produce with removable skin is considered highly effective because the parasite typically remains on the outer surface that is discarded.

MDHHS said anyone experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including sudden or persistent diarrhea, should contact a health care provider and local health department.

Investigation remains ongoing

MDHHS said its investigation is continuing. Current evidence suggests lettuce or other salad greens may be a potential source, although other foods have not been ruled out.

The department has not definitively identified a specific type of produce, grower or supplier as the source. MDHHS said it continues to work with local health departments and other partners to investigate cases and provide updates as new information becomes available.