Cases of a parasitic illness continue to climb across the U.S., with infections now confirmed in 31 states — including 50 cases in Florida. So far, three cases have been reported across the Jacksonville area.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine, sometimes cause “explosive” diarrhea. The parasite is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water, direct contact with infected livestock or pets, and person-to-person via the fecal-oral route.
As of July 9, the CDC has confirmed 843 cases nationwide, including 86 hospitalizations. Here’s a look at the map tracker and where cases have been reported across the U.S and cases by county across Florida.
How many total cases of Cyclosporiasis have been reported in the U.S.? Has anyone died?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis were reported among people in the United States as of July 9. There have been 86 hospitalizations and no deaths. Sick people ranged in age from 5 to 88 years, with a median age of 44, and 59% were female.
Additionally, another 343 cases were reported among people who ate or drank food or water that made them sick while traveling outside the United States during the 14 days before they got sick. These cases were reported by 32 states.
Where does Cyclosporiasis come from?
The origin of the outbreak is still unknown; however, USA TODAY reported that officials are looking beyond produce to determine it.
“The role of water in the transmission of cyclospora to humans is probably underestimated or underrepresented and less understood,” former FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas told USA TODAY. “There have been some big outbreaks in the United States that were produce-related, but it was likely, and in some cases proven, that the water served as the conduit for the produce contamination.”
List of states with confirmed cases
As of Tuesday, July 14, the following states have confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, according to the CDC and local reporting.
How many cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the Jacksonville area?
As of July 9, three cases have been reported across the greater Jacksonville area, including one case reported in Duval County and two cases in St. Johns County.
How many cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported elsewhere in Northeast Florida?
One case has been reported in Flagler County as of July 9, 2026.
Where are the cases of cyclosporiasis in Florida? See cases by county in Florida
What are symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
Not all people infected with cyclosporiasis show symptoms, but in addition to diarrhea, it commonly causes:
Less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms.
The time between infection and becoming sick is typically about a week, but can be as short as two days or as long as two weeks. If left untreated, the illness can last over a month, and symptoms can clear before returning one or more times.
What’s the treatment for cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which is sold as Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim, according to the CDC.
“If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, talk to your health care provider about other potential options,” the agency adds. “Resting and drinking plenty of fluids is also important for those experiencing diarrhea.”
How to prevent cyclosporiasis, foods to be aware of?
According to the FDOH, the two main ways to prevent cyclosporiasis are to practice good hygiene and avoid contaminated food and drinks.
They note alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against it. Instead, washing hands at key times with soap and water can help prevent infections.
While the current groups of cases have not yet been linked to a single outbreak or common food item, health officials advised extra caution with foods that have been implicated in past outbreaks. The following foods should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with a brush or sponge.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Cyclosporiasis outbreak reaches Jacksonville area with 3 cases
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea and Samantha Neely, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Doris Alvarez Cea and Samantha Neely, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
