Florida Cyclosporiasis Cases Surge Amid Nationwide Outbreak

Florida health officials have confirmed 94 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea, with 14 of those cases located in the Tampa Bay area. The surge in infections is part of a broader national increase in cases of the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to reports from July 16, 2026.

Florida Cyclosporiasis Case Distribution

The Florida Department of Health is tracking a total of 94 confirmed infections across the state. A significant cluster has appeared in the Tampa Bay region, which accounts for 14 of the total state cases. These numbers reflect a spike in the presence of the parasite, which is known for causing what sources describe as explosive diarrhea.

The parasite typically spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water. While specific food sources for the Florida cluster have not been finalized in the initial reports, the rise in cases aligns with a wider trend of cyclosporiasis surges observed across the United States.

Symptoms and Transmission of Cyclospora

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. According to public health data, the infection primarily manifests as watery diarrhea, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. The condition is characterized by its persistence; symptoms can last for weeks or months if left untreated.

Transmission occurs when a person ingests the parasite, usually via fresh produce that has been contaminated by soil or water containing the parasite’s oocysts. Because the parasite is hardy and resistant to many common disinfectants, it can survive the transport and processing of produce from international sources to local markets.

National Trends and Health Response

The cases in Florida are not isolated incidents. Health officials are monitoring a national surge in cyclosporiasis, which often sees seasonal peaks during the summer months. This pattern is frequently linked to the import of fresh berries, leafy greens, and other produce from regions where the parasite is endemic.

Medical providers are encouraged to test patients presenting with prolonged gastrointestinal distress, particularly those with a history of travel or consumption of imported fresh produce. Treatment typically involves specific antimicrobial medications, as the parasite does not respond to standard anti-diarrheal treatments.