Two dead amid ongoing Cyclospora outbreak in Michigan
Michigan reported on Monday that two people have died amid the ongoing outbreak of Cyclospora.
The state is reporting more than 11,000 infections from the parasite, which can cause extreme diarrhea but is generally not life-threatening.
Cases of death are rare in the U.S., according to state officials.
“Cyclosporiasis is generally not a life-threatening illness. “Death resulting from cyclosporiasis is uncommon in the United States,” according to a statement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Two deaths have been identified as part of the cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Michigan. According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.”
Some of the highest per-capita rates of Cyclospora have been reported in mid-Michigan, with Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties all significantly above the state average of 1 per thousand residents.
| County | Cases reported | Cases per 1,000 residents |
| Shiawassee | 445 | 6.5 |
| Gratiot | 217 | 5.2 |
| Lenawee | 368 | 3.7 |
| Crawford | 49 | 3.6 |
| Eaton | 381 | 3.5 |
| Alpena | 98 | 3.4 |
| Clinton | 226 | 2.8 |
| Ingham | 810 | 2.8 |
| Ionia | 176 | 2.6 |
| Monroe | 368 | 2.3 |
Top ten counties, per capita cases of Cyclospora reported by MIDHHS as of Aug. 3, 2026. Chart created by City Pulse.
The status of food safety messaging has been muddled, with federal and state officials blaming a nationwide distributor of bagged lettuce in a series of confusing messages. The difficult task of tracing the outbreak remains incomplete more than a month into the nationwide outbreak.
Michigan is leading the nation in the number of cases.
