04.08.2026 11:00
Throughout history, humanity has battled various epidemics. Most epidemics were caused by animals or various bacteria. However, this outbreak is associated with a food product that appears on all our tables and seems extremely innocent. With the first deaths occurring in the outbreak linked to lettuce, the number of cases has exceeded 20,000. The first deaths have been recorded in the cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States. The US Department of Health and Human Services announced that two people in the state have died due to cyclosporiasis infection.
Two people have died in the state of Michigan due to the "cyclosporiasis" outbreak, which has infected more than 20,000 people across the US and causes severe diarrhea. According to a statement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the number of people who contracted "cyclosporiasis" in the state has risen to 11,234.
The first deaths have been recorded in the cyclospora outbreak that has been growing for weeks across the country. The US Department of Health and Human Services announced that two people in the state died in connection with the cyclospora infection. Officials noted that the deceased had chronic health conditions that could worsen intestinal ailments and fluid loss, and pointed out that the outbreak continues to spread.
PRIME SUSPECT: "LETTUCE"
According to BBC News, lettuce imported from Mexico is at the center of the outbreak. According to officials, contamination has been linked to chopped lettuce used especially in salads consumed outside and some grocery products. The disease can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and fluid loss.
RESTAURANTS AND MARKETS BEING SCRUTINIZED
Health teams have been put on alert due to the increasing number of cases. Officials are conducting comprehensive inspections in restaurants, markets, and food storage facilities to detect contaminated products. It has been reported that suspected lettuce has been removed from shelves and products have been recalled.
Although the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that there have been no fatalities in the state yet, the increase in case numbers is noteworthy.
According to data from the Chicago Department of Public Health, 209 confirmed or probable cases have been detected in the city. At least 15 of these have been determined to be linked to the multi-state lettuce outbreak, while 103 cases were stated to be locally acquired. Officials announced that the source of the local cases has not yet been identified.
SPREAD TO MANY STATES
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the outbreak is linked to recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
It was announced that the outbreak has spread to Illinois, as well as Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Across Illinois, the number of cases has reached 707, and the number of hospitalized individuals has reached 47.
NUMBER OF CASES RISING RAPIDLY
Federal health officials announced that lettuce of Mexican origin served in restaurants across nine states is among the primary sources of the outbreak.
As of late July, the CDC announced that 1,947 cases linked to this lettuce had been detected and at least 98 people had been hospitalized.
According to CDC data, the number of confirmed or suspected cases nationwide has exceeded 18,000, while state health reports have revealed that the total number has surpassed 20,000.
WHAT IS CYCLOSPORIASIS?
Cyclosporiasis is known as an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of consuming food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite.
In the disease, which is more common in late spring and summer, one of the highest levels was recorded in 2019 with approximately 4,700 cases.
Dr. Janna Kerins, Medical Director of the Chicago Department of Public Health, stated that the disease can be treated with antibiotics and can resolve on its own in healthy individuals. Kerins noted that young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions are at high risk for severe infection.