The clusters of cyclosporiasis engulfing the U.S. have officially turned deadly.
On Monday, health officials in Michigan announced two deaths linked to the state’s outbreak—the first fatalities of the parasitic disease reported in the U.S. this year. Though Michigan has seen the most cases so far, there are multiple active outbreaks of cyclosporiasis ongoing right now, while cases have been documented in 45 states to date.
Uncommonly deadly
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, primarily Cyclospora cayatenensis. The disease often causes watery and explosively loud bouts of diarrhea, along with other common symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.
Like many foodborne diseases, cyclosporiasis is rarely life-threatening. However, very young people, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems or poorer health are more susceptible to severe illness. These two recent deaths appear to be an example of that heightened vulnerability, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration,” the department said in a statement provided to Gizmodo. “Cyclosporiasis is generally not a life-threatening illness. Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States.”
The department added that no further information about the deaths will be provided.
A record-breaking year
Though cyclosporiasis in the U.S. does normally show up in the summer, 2026 appears to be the worst recorded year seen yet.
The largest outbreak has affected nine states, including Michigan and Ohio. This outbreak has been linked to certain lots of iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Farms, which led to a widespread recall.
Only about 2,000 confirmed cases have been traced back to the nine-state outbreak, according to the federal government, yet local health departments have documented far more within their respective states. As of today, Michigan has reported more than 11,500 cases, for instance, along with around 200 hospitalizations. The two Michigan deaths contracted their illness prior to the Taylor Farms recall. The second-highest tally is Ohio, with more than 4,000 reported cases.
And though Taylor Farms has recalled the lettuce products affiliated with this largest cluster, health officials are investigating at least three other active outbreaks. And states outside of the largest outbreak have reported case tallies far higher than normal. North Carolina, for instance, has documented 718 cases as of last week, well above the 150 cases it typically gets annually. Federal health officials have confirmed over 6,700 cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide so far, with another 11,000 awaiting further confirmation.
Officials have yet to identify a single transmission source behind any of the other outbreaks, which tends to be a common issue with cyclosporiasis. That said, this parasite is usually spread through tainted produce, and officials in North Carolina have identified parsley or cilantro as potential links.
In general, health experts recommend washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables; washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking; and refrigerating cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours if possible).
