Two people have died in Michigan's cyclospora outbreak, state health officials announced Monday, August 3, marking the first fatalities linked to the parasitic illness anywhere in the nation in 2026.
Both individuals had "significant underlying health conditions" that may have been worsened by cyclosporiasis and dehydration, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in its daily update. The department declined to release their ages, counties of residence, or specific conditions.
The deaths come as Michigan's confirmed case count climbed to 11,234, up from 10,773 on Friday, July 31. Oakland County's tally remains at 1,043, as we reported July 31. County-level data updates weekly, with the next report expected August 7.
Michigan normally sees about 50 cyclospora cases per year. This outbreak, which began June 22, has produced roughly 225 times that number.
Metro Detroit breakdown
Across the region, health officials reported 2,950 cases: Wayne County (excluding Detroit) leads with 1,379, followed by Oakland County at 1,043 and Macomb County at 282. Detroit's health department reported 246 cases separately, according to The Oakland Press.
Outbreak pace slowing
The share of emergency room visits for diarrhea has started to slow, according to state data reported by WBZ NewsRadio, suggesting the worst may be easing. The typical Cyclospora season runs through the end of August.
The peak week for symptom onset was the week of July 5, when 2,462 Michigan residents developed symptoms. The largest single day for reported cases was July 13, with 726.
Who should seek care
MDHHS especially recommends testing for people who are immunocompromised from HIV, organ transplant, or cancer treatment, as well as older adults, young children with significant symptoms, and anyone experiencing dehydration or weight loss. The standard treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, noted the outbreak response has been strained by staffing losses. MDHHS lost 23 staff members and local health departments lost 123 during the response period, losses she attributed to federal funding cuts.
"If the American public, if Michiganders care about their food safety, they need to recognize the value and the importance of having a robust and well-funded public health system," Bagdasarian told MLive.
Lettuce recall still in effect
The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Taylor Farms de Mexico issued a voluntary recall July 17 covering all iceberg lettuce products distributed June 29 through July 16 in at least 27 states, including Michigan. The recalled products included Marketside-brand lettuce sold at Walmart, according to the CDC.
No additional recalls have been announced since. MDHHS advises residents to buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed bagged varieties, discard the outer two to three layers of leaves, wash inner leaves under running water, and cook greens to at least 158°F when possible. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill the parasite; soap and water do.
Residents experiencing sudden, ongoing diarrhea should contact their health care provider and the Oakland County Health Division.
