Cyclosporiasis
As of early July 2026 the US has had a wave of cases hit several sates.
Headlines
Michigan reported the first two deaths related to the cyclosporiasis outbreak. Both reportedly had significant underlying conditions, although no additional information was provided. The number of newly reported cases increased by about 29.8% over the past week, compared to 57% last week, as the country’s largest multistate outbreak grew to 15 states. In total, the US has had more than 26,445 cases this year, compared to the nearly 4,000 cases reported in 2025.
The Full Story
The first deaths related to the ongoing outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the US were reported this week, alongside a 29.8% spike (+6,701) in cases, a slower rate of increase compared to last week's 57% increase.* The fatalities — two Michigan residents who became ill before the voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce — reportedly had significant underlying health conditions. No further information was provided on the two deaths. In total, there have been 26,445 cases reported across at least 47 states so far this year, significantly more than the nearly 4,000 cases reported in 2025. According to the CDC, approximately 5% of confirmed cases acquired in the US have been hospitalized during the current cyclosporiasis season, which is defined by the CDC as beginning on May 1 and ending on August 31.**
*The cyclosporiasis data we report are tallied by the date they were reported by the health department. All data are procured from state health department websites.
**Hospitalization rate is based on the number of laboratory-confirmed cases currently reported by the CDC from May 1 to August 3, 2026 (n=10,468)
The CDC continues to investigate Cyclospora clusters as case numbers climb, with one multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce expanding to 15 states this week. This largest cluster now includes the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. In July, the FDA issued a voluntary recall alert for Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce as they investigated the ongoing outbreak. Several of the states involved in this multistate outbreak saw the number of infections increase significantly over the past week, particularly Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio. In total, the FDA has seven separate Cyclospora investigations open. Three of the outbreaks have ended, which involved a total of 28 people. The other four are still ongoing, including the large multistate outbreak referenced above.
While Michigan continues to report the largest number of cases, the rate of increase in new cases dropped this week, compared to the previous week — a 17.6% increase this week (+1,832 cases), compared to the 44.8% increase in cases seen last week in the state (+3,215). As of August 5, the state has reported 12,218 total cases this year. There have been 193 hospitalizations, and the state reported the first two deaths related to the outbreak this week (see above). Missouri cyclosporiasis cases nearly doubled over the past week, recording 502 new cases, bringing the total to 1,095 for 2026. Ohio's case count increased by more than 1,400, a 55% increase, bringing the state’s total to 4,013 cases.
