Michigan reports the first 2 US deaths related to a diarrhea-causing
parasite
[August 04, 2026]
By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER and SUDHIN THANAWALA
DETROIT (AP) — Two people have died in the cyclospora outbreak in
Michigan, state health officials announced Monday, the first deaths
confirmed in the U.S. related to the microscopic parasite.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both people
had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the
intestinal illness and dehydration. The department said it would not
provide additional information about the deaths.
Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes
watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,”
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks
tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.
The CDC says the illness, called cyclosporiasis, is rarely deadly.
The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces.
In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables
that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water.
Dr. Joel Kammeyer, the division chief of infectious diseases at Wayne
State University and the Detroit Medical Center, called the deaths a
“tragedy” but noted that despite thousands of cyclosporiasis cases, only
two people have died.
“For someone who comes into an urgent care and cyclosporiasis is their
only issue, it’s relatively easy to treat,” Kammeyer said. But for
people who are struggling with other illnesses, he said, “it stands to
reason that there are some patients that might not be able to withstand
the dehydration that can come with severe cyclosporiasis.”
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 Cyclosporiasis is less common than
other foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli. Many
cases are never linked to a specific food or other source and, for
years, few U.S. cyclospora outbreaks were reported. But the number
started rising about a decade ago, with a particularly notable spike
in 2018 and 2019.
Previously, 2019 saw the most reported U.S. cyclosporiasis cases,
with about 4,700.
The CDC said it is aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected
cases in the current surge. But CDC numbers can lag state reports,
which suggest the number is more than 20,000 nationwide.
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served
at Taco Bell locations in nine states as a source of the widespread
outbreak. As of late July, the number of cases linked to the lettuce
was 1,947, including at least 98 people who had to be hospitalized,
according to the CDC.
The agency has said other “brands, restaurants, retailers, or
distribution channels” could be tied to the outbreak as the
investigation continues.
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Associated Press reporter Mike Stobbe in New York City contributed.
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