TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Two people have died from cyclospora infections in Michigan amid a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the United States, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday, August 3.
"According to medical records, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration," a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services told The Guardian in a statement. Officials did not provide further details.
FDA Traces Outbreak to Iceberg Lettuce
An investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the outbreak, which has spread to nine states, to iceberg lettuce supplied by privately held Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico, as reported by The Guardian.
However, authorities said they are continuing to investigate other possible sources.
Michigan health officials reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases on Monday, up 461 cases from Friday's update. The outbreak has resulted in 193 hospitalizations, according to the latest state data.
Wayne County has recorded the highest number of infections with 1,379 cases, while adults aged 30 to 39 have been the hardest-hit group, accounting for 2,216 reported cases.
Cases Continue to Rise Nationwide
Across the United States, cases of the intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite have continued to rise in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms include severe diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal illnesses.
As of July 28, the CDC had recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide, while more than 11,500 suspected infections were still awaiting confirmation or further investigation.
The agency noted that its national surveillance includes only laboratory-confirmed cases, whereas state health departments may also report probable infections, resulting in higher state-level totals.
According to Indonesian state news agency ANTARA, the number of cyclosporiasis cases reported in the United States this year is already four times higher than in 2025.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. It is typically not life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics, but it may cause severe illness in vulnerable individuals.
The disease is most commonly reported in the United States between May 1 and August 31 and is usually spread through contaminated fresh produce or water.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it was aware of the deaths reported in Michigan.
"This development highlights the importance of identifying the source of the outbreak and preventing additional illnesses," said Wade Syers, a food safety specialist at Michigan State University Extension.
