Southwest Florida has seen a handful of new cases of cyclosporiasis in the latest tally of the parasitic infection while the statewide number climbed 46 cases in one week.
The state Department of Health, which collects data on the reportable illness that is crisscrossing the United States, runs one week behind on its data.
The numbers are for the week of July 4 through July 11.
Starting June 1 the state public health agency says Florida has seen 94 cases of the infection that causes severe stomach upset and what’s often described as “explosive diarrhea.”
Going back to the start of 2026, Florida has had 106 cases.
Cyclosporiasis is an illness from a parasite that causes watery, and sometimes explosive diarrhea and other stomach problems.
It usually spreads from contaminated water or food. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The current outbreak in the U.S. began in May and the numbers began climbing in mid-June.
Federal health officials have confirmed 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis while more than 5,100 additional cases are also being investigated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in 34 states.
CDC officials said a cluster of cases in four states of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia are likely linked.
Health officials in Michigan say lettuce could be a possible source but aren’t yet ruling out other sources.
Meanwhile, Taco Bell has removed ingredients from some stores in what the fast food chain said was a precautionary move.
What about Southwest Florida?
For the week of July 4 through July 11, Lee County saw five cases and Collier County saw no new cases.
Since June 1, Lee has had 13 cases. Collier stood at two.
The 46 cases reported in the last week are in 21 counties while Miami-Dade accounts for 11 infections, according to the state.
What are symptoms?
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 said. “Resting and drinking plenty of fluids is also important for those experiencing diarrhea.”
How to prevent getting it?
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 implicated in past outbreaks. The following foods should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with a brush or sponge.
Liz Freeman is a health care reporter. Reach her by emailing lfreeman@naplesnews.com
Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Southwest Florida, state face more cyclosporiasis cases. What to know
Reporting by Liz Freeman, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Liz Freeman, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
