By Merrilee Gasser, The Center Square
In Summary:
Federal health officials are investigating several cyclosporiasis outbreaks as the United States reports 1,645 confirmed domestic cases and thousands more awaiting confirmation. Florida has tracked 50 cases since May, including nine in Lee County and six in Miami-Dade County. No deaths have been reported, but 141 people nationwide have been hospitalized, and officials expect the case count to rise.
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Federal health officials are investigating multiple outbreaks of cyclosporiasis nationwide, with Florida reporting 50 cases of the intestinal illness since May.
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The illness is caused by consuming contaminated food or water and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Symptoms typically begin up to two weeks after becoming infected. The illness could last from a few days to over a month. The disease is not contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
While the CDC monitors cases year-round, it considers May 1 through August 31 as the cyclosporiasis outbreak season due to case counts rising higher during the spring and summer months.
Since May, the Florida Department of Health has tracked at least 50 cases across 24 counties, and 60 cases since the beginning of this year. Lee County has had the most with nine cases since May 1, followed by Miami-Dade with six.
There have been 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S., although the CDC says it is aware of over 5,100 cases that still need to be confirmed.
The CDC is currently looking into “several outbreaks” and is working to confirm their sources as well.
“Multiple jurisdictions have reported an increase of cases compared to the same period in 2025,” the CDC said. “We assume a 6-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to CDC; therefore, we anticipate that case counts will continue to rise as data are received.”
As of this week, 141 people have been hospitalized for cyclosporiasis. There have not been any deaths reported.
Florida’s numbers are lower than those of some states. Over 400 people were infected in a 4-state outbreak that included Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. And while there are 400 confirmed cases, health officials said the true number of sick people is likely higher.
Since the disease is caused by contaminated food, the best prevention practices include washing hands before handling raw fruits and vegetables and washing all produce thoroughly, even if it is labeled as pre-washed.
A specific food source has not yet been pinpointed as the culprit, but Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services specifically warned that extra precautions be taken when preparing lettuce/leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, raspberries, and snow peas.
Key Points:
- Florida has reported 50 cases across 24 counties since May 1 and 60 cases since the beginning of 2026.
- Cyclosporiasis is contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite and does not spread directly from person to person.
- The CDC has confirmed 1,645 domestic cases and is investigating several outbreaks without a confirmed food source.
- At least 141 people have been hospitalized nationwide, but no deaths have been reported.
- Health officials recommend washing hands and thoroughly rinsing fruits, vegetables and leafy greens before eating or preparing them.
