Two people have died as part of the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. These are the first reported deaths associated with cyclosporiasis since the outbreak began in May.

By Siddhi Mahatole and Heather Schlitz Aug 3 (Reuters) - A cyclosporiasis outbreak that has grown into the largest on record in the United States has caused its first known deaths, two people in Michigan,

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it has counted 12,218 cyclosporiasis cases in the state as of Aug. 5.

Both people had “significant underlying health conditions” that may have been exacerbated by the food-borne illness, according to state officials.

Michigan has reported 12,485 cases of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, since June 2026. It is part of a larger outbreak that has spread to 15 states, sickening thousands with an illness that can last up to a month if untreated.

Michigan may be through the worst of its worst cyclosporiasis outbreak on record. On Thursday, Aug. 6, health officials said their data indicated most exposures to contaminated produce occurred in late June through early July,

Both patients, who were in Michigan, had underlying health conditions, according to state officials. The parasite-caused infection usually isn't life-threatening

Michigan health officials cleared shoppers ​to put lettuce back in their grocery carts, but anxiety about cyclosporiasis is lingering in the grocery aisles, with some produce sellers supplied ‌by local farms saying customers have turned to their markets instead.