Michigan reports first US deaths from cyclosporiasis outbreak

On August 3, 2026, Michigan health officials reported the first two deaths in the United States linked to cyclosporiasis, an infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite that leads to severe diarrhea. These are the first fatalities recorded in the ongoing US outbreak, which has been traced to contaminated food. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the public health response, as previous cases had not resulted in deaths. Officials are urging the public to seek medical care for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and to follow food safety guidelines.