Two Deaths Reported as Michigan Cyclosporiasis Cases Top 11,000

Michigan health officials announced Monday that two people have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that is usually not fatal. Both decedents had significant underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by the infection and dehydration, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said, and no further details will be released.

The state now reports 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations, according to MDHHS data. While deaths from cyclosporiasis are rare in the United States, federal investigators have linked the Michigan outbreak and those in eight other states to shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell locations. Taylor Farms, the lettuce supplier, has voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, and consumers are advised to discard or return any such product. Taco Bell confirmed it has stopped using lettuce from the supplier.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted on its website that it is aware of the two Michigan deaths and will update its data to reflect laboratory-confirmed cases, hospitalizations and fatalities. Nationwide, the CDC reports more than 18,000 cyclosporiasis cases across 45 states since May 1, including at least 6,707 laboratory-confirmed infections and 423 hospitalizations. An additional 11,500 cases are pending confirmation.

The United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency has also observed an increase in cyclosporiasis among travelers returning from Mexico, recording 67 cases between late April and mid-July, compared with an annual average of 93 cases from 2022-2025. The agency advises travelers to practice strict food and water hygiene to reduce infection risk. Cyclosporia parasites typically spread through food or water contaminated with fecal matter, and past outbreaks have been linked to various imported fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce and cilantro.