Florida has seen an uptick in cyclosporiasis cases this summer, reporting 48 cases since June. Alachua County is among those impacted by the recent rise in cyclosporiasis cases, having observed one case last month.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic illness that occurs in the intestines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common symptom is “watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC website.
Untreated, symptoms may last a few days to over a month with the possibility of symptoms returning.
It can take anywhere between two days and two weeks from the time of infection for people to experience symptoms.
Cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States are often linked to parasites found in fresh produce like basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries and snow peas.
State and federal health departments are investigating recent outbreaks and their causes, according to the CDC.
Cyclosporiasis is spread through food or drink contaminated with feces. It takes one to two weeks for the parasite to become infectious following a bowel movement, making transmission between people unlikely.
Florida has reported 60 total cases this year, nearly double the amount reported by this time last year. Alachua County reported no cases within that time frame last year.
The Florida Department of Health was not available for comment at the time of publication.
The rise in cyclosporiasis cases in Florida and Alachua County this summer appears to be part of a nationwide trend.
According to the CDC, there have been 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis contracted in the U.S. since May 1. There are more than 1,500 cases yet to be confirmed as cyclosporiasis acquired in the U.S.
Those experiencing symptoms related to cyclosporiasis are encouraged to see their healthcare provider to be tested for the illness. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics like Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim.
Contact Grace Larson at glarson@alligator.org. Follow her on X @graceellarson.
Grace Larson is a second-year journalism student and this summer's metro editor. She previously worked as city/county commission reporter and K-12 education reporter for The Alligator. When she's not editing stories, Grace enjoys running, weightlifting and going on random side quests. If she's not at her desk, you can find her at any place offering free food and crafts.
