The Centers for Disease Control issued a health advisory July 14 on cyclosporiasis, caused by the “poop parasite” that has sickened more than 1,600 in 34 states, including some in Florida, since May 1.
Another 5,000 cases need additional analysis to confirm, the CDC said, and the number of cases may be even higher since cyclosporiasis is often underdiagnosed and underreported,.
The CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and state and local health departments “are working together to investigate the multistate outbreaks and identify the sources of illness.”
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Cases of explosive diarrhea reported in US
“Since May 1, 2026, the CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis.
“This is substantially higher than the 249 cases reported nationally by this same time last year.
“Of the 1,645 case-patients with available information, 141 (9%) were hospitalized.”
No deaths have been reported as of July 14.
“Because cyclosporiasis is often underdiagnosed and underreported, the true number of illnesses is likely higher than what has been reported to CDC.”
Cases of cyclosporiasis increasing in Florida. See latest numbers by county
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora, sometimes called the “poop parasite” that causes “explosive diarrhea.”
There have been 50 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in 24 of Florida’s 67 counties between May 1 and July 4, the latest data available, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Counties reporting the highest number of cases were:
Is there a ‘poop parasite’ season?
“Case counts typically rise during spring and summer months, and CDC considers May 1-Aug. 31 the annual cyclosporiasis season,” the CDC said.
“Previous outbreaks have been linked to consuming contaminated fresh produce,” which commonly happens in the spring and summer.
“People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
“This illness is not usually spread directly from person to person.”
Cyclospora symptoms. When watery diarrhea is a red flag
The main symptom of cyclosporiasis is loud, watery (explosive) diarrhea, according to clevelandclinic. Other cyclosporasymptoms may include:
In some cases, you may have cyclosporiasis but not have any symptoms.
“Reach out to a healthcare provider if you have several bouts of watery diarrhea per day,” clevelandclinic said.
“Contact them again if your symptoms come back or get worse after finishing your full course of antibiotics.
“You should also go if you have signs of severe dehydration, including confusion, dizziness, dark-colored pee or you’re not peeing as much as you should.”
Cyclospora foods to avoid
Eating fresh, imported produce increases your risk for cyclosporiasis, according to clevelandclinic.
Cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to fresh fruits and vegetables, and foods containingthem, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.
Fruits and vegetables most frequently related to cyclospora infections are:
Outbreaks have also been linked to:
How cyclospora spreads through feces-contaminated food and water
Cyclosporiasis spreads through the fecal-oral route — germs from contaminated poop (feces) get into your mouth, according to clevelandclinic. This may happen through:
There’s no evidence cyclosporiasis spreads from person to person.
Treatment for cyclosporiasis and how long symptoms can last
Healthcare providers treat cyclosporiasis with antibiotics.
A cyclospora infection sometimes goes away on its own, but if you don’t treat it, your symptoms may last for a month or longer, according to clevelandclinic.
“This puts you at risk of severe dehydration and other complications. It’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider to see if you need antibiotics.”
“With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people feel better after a week or two. But you may still have occasional bouts of diarrhea for up to a month.”
How to kill cyclospora on produce or at least lower your risk
Suggestions to avoid cyclosporiasis include:
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Poop parasite 101, including cyclospora symptoms, prevention
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
