MICHIGAN / RankWire.AI / – Michigan has officially announced the deaths of two individuals associated with its 2026 cyclosporiasis outbreak, marking the first time such fatalities have been confirmed by the state. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the total number of cases reached 11,234 as of August 3. The department also documented 193 hospitalizations through July 30, with medical records indicating that both affected individuals had significant underlying health issues that may have been exacerbated by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. Authorities stated that they would not be releasing additional details regarding the two victims.
Both of these individuals fell ill prior to the voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce announced on July 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the Michigan deaths on August 3, describing them as fatalities related to cyclosporiasis involving persons with underlying health conditions. The total case count for Michigan includes all cases reported during the ongoing investigation and is subject to adjustment. Federal surveillance data generally encompass laboratory-confirmed cases and may differ from the state’s reported totals, which also include probable illnesses.
Federal authorities are also conducting investigations into a nine-state outbreak of Cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. As of July 24, nine states had documented 1,947 infected individuals, many of whom reported exposure to Taco Bell. At least 98 of those patients required hospitalization. The illness onset dates ranged from June 22 through July 20. The CDC later acknowledged Michigan’s two deaths, which had not been reflected in the detailed federal totals released on July 24.
Recall includes iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico
Taylor Farms de Mexico withdrew all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. marketplace. This recall affected several food-service items and Marketside iceberg salad and shredded lettuce sold at select Walmart stores. The products had use-by dates spanning from July 18 through August 3. Between June 29 and July 16, Taylor Fresh Foods distributed affected lettuce to 27 states for food service purposes, and Taco Bell ceased using lettuce from this supplier on July 17.
While Michigan officials have not definitively linked every case across different states to the recalled iceberg lettuce, they have indicated that lettuce or salad greens remain a potential source. The state has yet to identify a specific product, grower, or supplier responsible for the entire outbreak. Other food items have not been conclusively ruled out, and officials emphasized that the overall investigation remains open. The outbreak connected to lettuce only constitutes a portion of the nationwide cyclosporiasis activity reported thus far.
Symptoms may persist without proper treatment
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which infects the intestines when contaminated food or water are ingested. The illness often manifests through symptoms such as frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Typically, symptoms begin about a week after exposure, although the timing can vary. If not treated, the disease can last over a month, and symptoms may temporarily subside only to reappear later.
Health officials recommend that consumers avoid eating any recalled iceberg lettuce still in their possession. They should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase, and thoroughly clean any containers or surfaces that came into contact with the affected lettuce. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice, especially if they consumed iceberg lettuce within the past two weeks. Michigan continues to update the total number of cases as state and local health departments continue their investigation into the outbreak.