Over 240 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in Florida since May 1, according to the Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Diseases Frequency Report, with Miami-Dade County reporting the highest number of cases.
Florida had 248 confirmed cases of the illness, which is characterized by severe gastrointestinal symptoms, according to Florida Department of Health data covering May 1 through July 25.
When probable cases are included, Florida reports 254 instances of the illness. Probable cases are those likely to be cyclosporiasis but not yet confirmed through laboratory testing. Miami-Dade County had 39 confirmed cases, the most of any county in the state, up from 32 in the prior reporting period covering May 1 through July 18. Lee County reported 23 confirmed cases, up from 16, while Broward County reported 22, up from 13.
Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in a weekly update issued Tuesday, July 28. Cases had been recorded in 45 states, up from 41 the prior week.
Cyclospora was one of several parasites removed from a mandatory reporting list last summer under the Trump administration.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. People can contract it by ingesting contaminated food or water. It is not usually spread from person to person, according to the CDC.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, although they can start anywhere from two to 14 days later. The most common symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and bloating.
Less common symptoms include low-grade fever and vomiting. If untreated, symptoms can follow a “remitting-relapsing course,” lasting from a few days to a month or longer. The illness can be severe but is not usually life-threatening, the CDC says.
Confirmed Cases by Florida County
Florida Department of Health data listed the following confirmed cases as of July 25:
- Alachua: 4; Bay: 7; Brevard: 4; Broward: 22; Collier: 6; Columbia: 1; Duval: 5; Escambia: 2; Flagler: 3; Gadsden: 1
- Hernando: 1; Highlands: 2; Hillsborough: 8; Jackson: 1; Lake: 4; Lee: 23; Leon: 4; Manatee: 6; Marion: 3; Martin: 1
- Miami-Dade: 39; Monroe: 1; Nassau: 1; Okaloosa: 4; Orange: 21; Osceola: 7; Palm Beach: 10; Pasco: 5; Pinellas: 11
- Polk: 7; Santa Rosa: 4; Sarasota: 4; Seminole: 5; St. Johns: 5; St. Lucie: 3; Sumter: 2; Volusia: 8; Wakulla: 1; Walton: 2
Data reflects the Florida Department of Health report covering May 1 through July 25. Case counts can change as officials receive and confirm new reports.
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