Michigan has reported two deaths linked to an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking the first fatalities associated with the largest U.S. outbreak of the intestinal illness. The state’s health department confirmed the deaths on Monday, stating that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been exacerbated by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.
An investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the outbreak, which has now expanded to nine states, to iceberg lettuce sourced from privately held Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. However, authorities are continuing to search for other potential sources of contamination.
Cyclosporiasis is generally not considered a life-threatening illness. In Michigan, officials reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases as of Monday, an increase of 461 cases since Friday. The outbreak has led to 193 hospitalizations, according to the state's latest data. Wayne County has recorded the highest number of cases, with 1,379 infections, while adults aged 30 to 39 years represent the most affected demographic, accounting for 2,216 reported cases.
Nationwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28. An additional 11,500 suspected cases are awaiting confirmation or further investigation. The CDC’s surveillance updates primarily include laboratory-confirmed cases, whereas state health departments may also report probable infections, contributing to higher overall case counts. The agency is collaborating with states to update the national tally as more cases are confirmed.
Experts have suggested that reductions in federal health agencies' funding and resources have hindered the government's capacity to respond effectively to foodborne disease outbreaks. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has acknowledged awareness of the deaths in Michigan. Food safety specialists emphasize the critical need to identify the outbreak's source to prevent further illnesses. In response to the multi-state outbreak, consumers in the U.S. have shown hesitancy towards certain restaurant chains and have reduced lettuce purchases in grocery stores, reflecting uncertainty about food safety.