Cyclospora cases in Florida now in 36 counties. How to avoid it

Key Points:

• Florida has reported 158 cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with infections confirmed in 36 counties, including a significant increase in Miami-Dade County, according to the Florida Department of Health data through July 18.
• Nationwide, the CDC reports nearly 4,200 confirmed cases across more than 41 states since May, with over 7,400 additional unconfirmed cases, mostly in Michigan and Ohio; there have been 308 hospitalizations but no deaths.
• The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, which issued a voluntary recall after the lettuce was connected to cases in multiple states and was sold in retail stores and restaurants.
• Symptoms of cyclosporiasis primarily include watery diarrhea, along with loss of appetite, cramping, nausea, and fatigue, appearing 2 days to 2 weeks after infection; untreated symptoms may last weeks or longer.
• Prevention involves avoiding contaminated produce, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables under running water, scrubbing firm produce, and cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, as washing alone may not remove the parasite.