Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on August 5, 2026
There have been reports of two 2026 Cyclospora outbreak deaths. Both occurring in the highly represented state of Michigan. Case counts continue to rise and the public is looking for answers.
What should we avoid? When will a recall be announced? What happens if I get sick?
Here’s what we know so far about the 2026 Cyclospora outbreak deaths and the current multistate investigation.
Days ago, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services added two deaths to their case counts.
So far, the state has included 11,508 cases on their daily report. As of July 30, 2026, 193 people were hospitalized for these infections.
Specific information about the patients and their identities remains private to protect the patient and their families. However, public reports indicate that medical records showed both individuals had “significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.”
Both people became sick prior to the voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on July 17.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that “no additional information will be provided on these two cases.”
While cyclosporiasis (the illness associated with a Cyclospora infection) is not usually deadly, these 2026 Cyclospora outbreak deaths serves as a reminder that complications can change a mild to severe illness into something unrecoverable.
The FDA has not officially included these deaths in the current nine-state multistate Cyclospora outbreak statistics. Which means these deaths may be related to other outbreaks, or not yet confirmed by culture and held up in laboratory processing and analysis.
The nine-state outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses linked to iceberg lettuce has included Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
At least 1,947 people have been associated with this outbreak and have confirmed Cyclospora illnesses. At least 98 people have been hospitalized.
Fortunately, there have not been any new illnesses since July 20, 2026. Which can be an indication that this outbreak has slowed or that cases are being held for confirmatory testing.
This is not, however, the only Cyclospora outbreak being monitored by the FDA.
There are five Cyclospora outbreaks on the FDA’s Foodborne Illness Outbreaks table in addition to the aforementioned one making the most headlines.
Aside from the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, the others dating back to early June indicate sources “not yet identified.”
Three of the five have been pronounced “ended,” which often happens if a food source has not been identified and a suspected food source cannot be tested to confirm.
These outbreaks include:
The number of cyclosporiasis cases is significantly over baseline, prompting additional attention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An entire page dedicated to cyclosporiasis surveillance has been established and is regularly updated.
Between May 1 and August 3, 2026 the Centers, the CDC has received 10,468 reports of “laboratory-confirmed cases.” A total of 517 hospitalizations, and two cases linked to 2026 Cyclospora outbreak deaths.
In all, 47 states have at least one case.
These numbers are conservative, with only laboratory-confirmed cases making the statistics. However, “CDC is aware of more than 12,255 additional cases that are not laboratory-confirmed or require further investigation and analysis, such as ruling out exposure to sources overseas.”
Probable cases and cases acquired outside of the United States are not included in this data.
While these numbers span “multiple clusters of Cyclospora cases,” one large multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce with significant representation in Michigan has made a significant impact on statistics.
Make Food Safe does not have any inside information on which foods are responsible for the 2026 Cyclospora outbreak deaths or what is making these people sick. However, a bit of research can pull together a list of foods that are commonly associated with Cyclospora contamination and previous outbreaks.
Leafy greens and fruits grown in areas with endemic Cyclospora should be considered carefully. This is because irrigation water may be contaminated with the harmful parasite and transferred onto these foods that are often improperly washed or more susceptible to contamination. We see this trend when looking back at the source of previous Cyclospora outbreaks.
Previous outbreaks include:
Aside from the voluntary recall initiated by Taylor Farms de Mexico for certain iceberg lettuce products on July 17, 2026, no other food recalls have been announced.
Recalls are initiated when epidemiological data overwhelmingly points to a certain food ingredient, or when a product sample tests positive for the same strain of the germ as is found in patient samples.
Traceback investigation activities are in progress for all active outbreaks. Patient food diaries are a key part of this process. When people become sick after consuming the same foods, and those foods can be narrowed down to the ingredient-level, the FDA can request a food manufacturer or grower to initiate a voluntary recall.
Unfortunately, we still have more questions than answers.
If you begin experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and you believe you may be a part of this 2026 Cyclospora outbreak, there are a few things you can do to help your situation.
One of the most obvious symptoms of Cyclospora illness is watery diarrhea, with “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.” Another is fatigue. Most people with Cyclospora infections report feeling very tired. Or more tired than usual.
Other symptoms may include:
It is possible for someone who is infected with Cyclospora to experience no symptoms at all. This is more common in areas where Cyclospora is endemic.
In some cases, people experience symptoms and appear to get better. Only for symptoms to return again and again. These relapses are quite common with Cyclospora infections. Likely due to the nature of this parasite’s life cycle.
Without proper treatment, these relapses can continue for a long time. So see you healthcare provider if you have watery diarrhea that does not improve. Especially during this Cyclospora outbreak.
Without a known source, every bit of information is helpful.
As soon as you feel well enough to do so, make a list of the foods you have eaten in the past two weeks. Include what you ate, where you ate them, and anything you can think of. Do this as soon as possible, while the information is fresher in your mind.
If you have been negatively impacted by this Cyclospora outbreak, it is a good idea to get advice from a Cyclospora Lawyer.
Medical bills, lost wages, caring for a loved one, and other burdens associated with cyclosporiasis add up. Who is responsible for these expenses? An experienced Cyclospora Lawyer can help you through this difficult process.
If you have been significantly impacted by a Cyclospora infection, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Cyclospora Lawyer that can help!
You want experienced representation, skilled at handling cases just like yours. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully recovered millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases, and they can help you too.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation. Get answers today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)