.Michigan Reports 2 Deaths as Cyclospora Outbreak Spreads to 47 States: CDC Investigates Lettuce

PART 1: When Did It Start? - Outbreak Timeline

Cyclospora is a seasonal parasite that appears every year during warmer months.

• May 1, 2026: The official Cyclospora season began, with the CDC starting nationwide monitoring.
• June 2026: Cases began rising steadily across multiple states, with early links to fresh produce.
• July 14, 2026: The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to clinicians and health departments to increase testing for Cyclospora.
• August 5, 2026: Cases surpassed 10,000 nationwide, and Michigan reported the first 2 deaths linked to the outbreak. The CDC expects cases to continue rising through the end of August, which is the end of cyclosporiasis season.

PART 2: How Many People and States Are Affected?

• Total Cases: Cyclospora cases top 10,000, reach 47 states, CDC says in update.
• Lab-Confirmed: 1,645 laboratory-confirmed cases, with over 5,100 additional suspected cases under investigation.
• Deaths: Michigan reports first 2 US deaths connected with the cyclosporiasis outbreak. The state's health department noted that both patients had "significant underlying health conditions" that may have been impacted by the illness and related dehydration.
• Source Investigation: Health officials are investigating lettuce and salad greens as a possible source. The FDA has linked a cluster to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations and lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations.

PART 3: How to Stay Safe? - Prevention Tips

This is for general information only and not medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you have symptoms.

1. Wash Produce Thoroughly: Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running water for 30+ seconds.

2. Avoid Pre-Shredded Lettuce: Consider avoiding bagged salad mixes and pre-shredded iceberg lettuce during this outbreak. Choose whole, fresh produce and wash and chop it yourself at home.

3. Stay Hydrated: If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of bottled, boiled, or filtered water to prevent dehydration.

4. See Your Doctor: Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and nausea. Seek medical care if symptoms persist for more than 3-4 days. Ask specifically for a Cyclospora test, as it is not part of routine stool panels. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/