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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 3, 2026Miami-Dade

Michigan health officials confirm first two U.S. deaths linked to cyclospora outbreak

Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two U.S. deaths associated with a nationwide cyclospora outbreak, a parasitic intestinal illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 18,000 cases nationwide, with a specific link identified between contaminated lettuce from Mexico and illnesses at Taco Bell locations in nine states.

public healthfood safetycyclosporadisease outbreak
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Why It Matters

Residents should be aware of the ongoing outbreak, which has resulted in over 20,000 suspected cases nationwide and requires monitoring of food safety alerts regarding produce.

Key Facts

  • Two deaths in Michigan are the first confirmed U.S. fatalities linked to the current cyclospora outbreak.
  • The CDC reports over 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases, while state reports suggest the total exceeds 20,000.
  • Lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in nine states has been identified as a source of the outbreak.
  • As of late July, 1,947 cases were linked to the contaminated lettuce.
  • At least 98 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
  • Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes watery, sometimes explosive, diarrhea.
  • The illness is typically spread through feces-contaminated irrigation water on produce.
  • Outbreaks are most common during late spring and summer months.
  • The number of reported cyclospora cases has been rising since approximately 2014, with notable spikes in 2018 and 2019.

Who's Mentioned

other1,947“Cases linked specifically to lettuce.”other20,000“Estimated nationwide case count.”other18,000“CDC confirmed or suspected case count.”organizationTaco Bell“Restaurant chain linked to contaminated lettuce.”organizationMichigan Department of Health and Human Services“State agency reporting the deaths.”other98“Number of hospitalizations.”organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal agency tracking the outbreak.”