The cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan has surpassed 1,200 cases as of early July 2026, far exceeding the state's usual annual count of about 50 cases [1, 2, 3, 4]. Ohio has reported over 500 cases, including 177 confirmed as of early July, with the surge concentrated especially in southeastern Michigan and northern Ohio’s Lucas County [1, 2, 3, 4].
Combined hospitalizations in the two states have reached at least 72, with Michigan alone reporting 44 patients needing inpatient care [2, 3, 4]. Officials confirmed no deaths have been linked to the outbreak [1, 3, 4].
Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services called the outbreak "unprecedented," noting the number of cases in July is already 25 times higher than usual [2]. On July 9, Michigan’s total cases reached 1,251, including 159 new reports that day, following a single-day high of 239 new infections on July 8 [2, 3]. Ohio’s case count was reported at 177 as of July 2 by the Department of Health [1, 3].
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is spread through contaminated food or water, often linked to produce such as bagged salads, cilantro, basil, and berries. However, investigators have not yet identified a specific source for the current outbreak [2, 3, 4]. Symptoms include watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea lasting weeks, along with abdominal cramping, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss [1, 3, 4].
The outbreak is considered one of the largest national surges of cyclosporiasis in recent years [1, 2, 4]. CDC surveillance data lag behind state reports, meaning federal counts are currently lower than the state-confirmed numbers [1, 3]. The outbreak coincides with the usual US peak season for cyclosporiasis, which runs from May 1 to August 31, with cases typically highest in June and July [2, 4].
The Michigan and Ohio health departments continue to investigate the source of the outbreak and monitor new cases as the summer season progresses.
