(The Center Square) – Federal health officials are investigating multiple outbreaks of cyclosporiasis nationwide as Florida reported 50 cases of the intestinal illness since May.
The illness is caused by consuming contaminated food or water and can bring on symptoms like diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms typically begin up to two weeks after becoming infected. The illness could last from a few days to over a month. The disease is not contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
While the CDC monitors cases year-round, it considers May 1 through August 31 as cyclosporiasis outbreak season due to case counts rising higher during spring and summer months.
Since May, the Florida Department of Health has tracked at least 50 cases across 24 counties and 60 cases since the beginning of this year. Lee County has had the most with nine cases since May 1 followed by Miami-Dade with six.
There have been 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S., although the CDC says it is aware of over 5,100 cases that still need to be confirmed.
The CDC is currently looking into “several outbreaks” and said it is working to confirm the sources of those outbreaks as well.
“Multiple jurisdictions have reported an increase of cases compared to the same period in 2025,” the CDC said. “We assume a 6-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to CDC; therefore, we anticipate that case counts will continue to rise as data are received.”
As of this week, 141 people have been hospitalized for cyclosporiasis. There have not been any deaths reported.
Florida’s numbers are lower than some states. Over 400 people were infected in a 4-state outbreak that included Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. And while there are 400 confirmed cases, health officials said the true number of sick people is likely higher.
Since the disease is caused by contaminated food, best prevention practices include washing hands before handling raw fruits and vegetables and washing all produce thoroughly even if it is labeled as pre-washed.
A specific food source has not yet been pinpointed as the culprit, but Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services specifically warned that extra precautions be taken when preparing lettuce/leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, raspberries, and snow peas.
