At least two people have died in the United States due to the outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened thousands in dozens of states, and whose most recognizable symptom is “explosive” diarrhea, according to health authorities.
The two deaths were reported in MichiganThe state Department of Health reported this Monday. The state, the epicenter of the nationwide outbreak, has recorded at least 11,234 cases of this intestinal infection caused by a parasite. Nearly 200 patients have been hospitalized there.
(FDA investigates Taylor Farms in connection with multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak)
The health agency reported that the deceased suffered from severe underlying illnessesaggravated by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. No further details were released about the two patients, nor their identities.
In general, cyclosporiasis is not a life-threatening disease, and deaths associated with this infection are rare in the United States.
The country is experiencing an unusually serious parasite outbreak, with cases reported in 45 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In particular, outbreaks in Michigan and nine other states have been linked to lettuce served in restaurants of the Taco Bell chain, which receives supplies from Taylor Farms, coming from Mexico. The company issued a voluntary recall of all its lettuce iceberg.
In late July, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assured that the outbreak was “under control,” as distrust grew among consumers seeking to avoid raw foods.
Businesses have also suffered the repercussions of this health crisis: Taco Bell’s sales fell 2% so far in the third quarter of the year, according to its managers.
The CDC has acknowledged that it is “likely that the actual number of sick people in this multistate outbreak is higher than the reported number, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known disease.”
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota has warned that the true number of cases is unknown because since July 2025 the CDC made monitoring outbreaks of this parasite optional.
The Mexican agri-food sector asked for caution in the face of investigations into the outbreak and defended the safety of national exports, pointing out that there is no conclusive evidence linking them to the cases in the United States.
(How the outbreak of cyclosporiasis associated with lettuce has caused a crisis of confidence among consumers)
The main symptom of the disease is severe and frequent diarrhea, along with loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal distension, nausea, fatigue, low-grade fever and vomiting, the CDC detailed.
Cyclosporiasis is not usually transmitted from person to person, it is more common in the hot months, from May to August, and usually originates from contaminated fruits and vegetables.
EFE and NBC News.
