Two people have died from cyclosporiasis in Michigan, marking the first fatalities in the largest outbreak of the intestinal illness in the United States, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced on Monday, August 3rd, 2026.

A spokesperson for the Michigan health department told the Guardian that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. The department noted that cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening and deaths from the illness are uncommon in the US. No further details about the cases were provided.

Michigan health officials reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases as of Monday, an increase of 461 cases since the previous update on Friday. The outbreak has resulted in 193 hospitalizations. Wayne County has the highest number of infections, with 1,379 cases reported. Adults aged 30 to 39 years have been the hardest hit demographic, accounting for 2,216 cases.

An FDA investigation has linked the outbreak, which has spread to nine states, to iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. Authorities continue to investigate other potential sources.

The US Department of Health and Human Services confirmed it is aware of the deaths in Michigan. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a steady rise in cyclosporiasis cases across the country in recent weeks.

Sources