The latest data on reported cyclosporiasis cases released by the Florida Department of Health on Thursday show the state has averaged about 53 cases per week since the start of summer in late June.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, increased numbers of cyclosporiasis cases during the spring and summer are fairly typical. The CDC considers May 1-Aug. 31 the annual cyclosporiasis “season.”
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But the current nationwide outbreak means Florida’s cases are up about 34% from the same time last year.
Through July and early August of 2025, Florida reported 99 cases of cyclosporiasis statewide. In the same period this year, 321 cases have been reported statewide, increasing the summer average by about 40%.
The diarrhea-causing parasite has now spread to 42 counties in Florida, with reported illnesses spiking by more than 180 cases in just the last two weeks.
The Cyclospora parasite causes extreme diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite, according to the CDC.
The Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Diseases Frequency Report showed 167 cases from Jan. 1 to July 18, but one week later, that number jumped to 264 on July 25, and spiked again to 352 by Aug. 1, the last date that data is available.
By this time last year, the state had only reported 119 cases total.
This year’s cases include 27 in Northeast Florida counties:
- St. Johns: 9
- Duval: 8
- Alachua: 4
- Flagler: 3
- Nassau: 1
- Baker: 1
- Columbia: 1
Other counties outside Northeast Florida with cases include: Bay, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Escambia, Gadsden, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Leon, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Wakulla and Walton.
In most scenarios, people who get cyclosporiasis will recover on their own. But in some cases, people can have persistent symptoms and relapsing infections over time, so any suspected cases should be tested, officials urge.
Once a case is confirmed through testing, a report is sent to the state department of health.
Direct human-to-human transmission is rare, officials say, but if infected, people could shed the parasite into the environment, where it could become infectious again within a week or two, contributing to another outbreak.
The outbreak was first reported in Michigan on July 1, with other outbreaks later reported in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, according to the CDC.
While all 50 states have now reported cases, the source of the outbreak is still unknown.
But the CDC is investigating multiple clusters of Cyclospora cases, including one multistate outbreak now affecting 15 states linked to iceberg lettuce.
Signs, symptoms, and treatment
Cyclosporiasis has a one-week incubation period, meaning symptoms do not appear immediately after eating contaminated food. Watch for:
- Explosive diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating and cramping
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
Without treatment, symptoms can come and go.
If you think you have cyclosporiasis, see your doctor and ask to be tested.
Again, cases are expected to continue through the end of August. Check the FDA and CDC for the latest warnings on affected produce and restaurants.