WASHINGTON – Federal health agencies said they plan to update national Cyclospora outbreak totals after Michigan reported two deaths associated with the parasitic illness.
Ars Technica reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted a notice acknowledging the deaths but had not yet added them to its national data at the time of publication. The Food and Drug Administration had also not updated its outbreak page since July 24.
A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson confirmed the information released by Michigan and said the CDC and FDA planned to update illness, hospitalization and death totals during the week.
Michigan health officials said both people had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. Death from the infection is uncommon, but prolonged diarrhea can lead to serious dehydration, particularly among medically vulnerable patients.
The outbreak has produced thousands of confirmed and suspected illnesses across numerous states. Federal investigators have linked some cases to iceberg lettuce, while other clusters remain under investigation.
People with persistent watery diarrhea should contact a health care provider. State and federal agencies continue to advise consumers to monitor outbreak notices and food recalls.
Source: Ars Technica, Michigan health officials and HHS, Aug. 4, 2026.
