MICHIGAN (LOOTPRESS) – Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two deaths associated with the state’s ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking a significant development in what has become one of the largest outbreaks of the parasitic illness in recent years.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Monday that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. Officials said no additional information about the patients will be released.
According to MDHHS, Michigan has now recorded 11,234 cases of cyclosporiasis, including 193 hospitalizations. Health officials emphasized that the illness is generally not life-threatening and that deaths from cyclosporiasis are uncommon in the United States.
Federal health officials have linked cases in Michigan and eight other states to shredded iceberg lettuce served at select Taco Bell restaurants. In response, Taylor Farms, the supplier of the lettuce, voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Consumers are advised to throw away or return any recalled lettuce.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed at least 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, including 423 hospitalizations. The agency is also investigating more than 11,500 additional reported illnesses that have not yet been laboratory confirmed or require further analysis.
The CDC noted that it can take up to six weeks to determine whether a reported illness meets the criteria to be included in its official case count, meaning federal totals may lag behind state reports.
The outbreak has also drawn international attention. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently reported a sharp increase in cyclosporiasis infections among travelers returning from Mexico. Between April 30 and July 15, officials recorded 67 cases in England, Wales and Scotland. By comparison, the annual average between 2022 and 2025 was 93 cases.
UKHSA is urging travelers to practice good food and water hygiene while abroad to reduce their risk of infection.
Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the CDC. Previous foodborne outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, cilantro and leafy greens.
The most common symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea, which can be frequent and severe. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating.
