Cases of cyclosporiasis in Miami-Dade nearly tripled in just seven days, rising from six to 17 between July 4 and July 11, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health reported by NBC 6 South Florida.
The increase wasn't limited to Miami-Dade: Broward County rose from five to seven cases during the same period, and Monroe County - the Florida Keys - recorded its first confirmed case, which raises particular health concerns given its high tourist traffic.
At the state level, Florida nearly doubled its total number in one week, rising from 50 cases (between May 1 and July 4) to 96 cases (between May 1 and July 11), a figure four times greater than that recorded in the same period the previous year.
The national situation is equally concerning.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 1,645 domestic cases of cyclosporiasis across 34 states, while more than 5,100 additional cases are under investigation, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to nearly 7,000. There have been 141 hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
"The true number of sick individuals in this multistate outbreak is likely higher than reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known cases," the CDC warned.
The agency also noted that "we anticipate that the case count will continue to rise as data comes in," partly due to a lag of approximately six weeks between the onset of symptoms and official reporting.
The source of the outbreak has not yet been definitively identified. Health authorities in Michigan— the state most affected, with over 3,300 cases—have noted that lettuce or leafy greens frequently emerge in investigations as a potential origin, although no specific producer or supplier has been pointed out.
Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, the medical director of People Inc., stated that "health officials suspect that the outbreak is linked to contaminated raw fresh produce, with investigators actively tracking possibilities such as bagged salad mixes, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, raw berries, and green onions."
Taco Bell voluntarily and temporarily removed fresh ingredients—lettuce, onion with cilantro, pico de gallo, and guacamole—from some locations in southeastern Michigan as a precautionary measure.
The company stated that it will continue "closely monitoring the situation and following the guidelines of public health authorities." However, neither the CDC nor the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed an official link to the chain.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which infects the small intestine when consuming fresh food or water contaminated with human feces. It is not transmitted from person to person.
Its symptoms—intense watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, fatigue, and mild fever—can last for weeks without treatment. The parasite is not eliminated by common disinfectants; only cooking destroys it.
The outbreak of cyclosporiasis in Florida has raised health alerts since early July.
The CDC recommends thoroughly washing fresh produce under running water before consuming it, cooking food thoroughly, and staying informed about market recalls. The agency also warns that "it is important to wash products well even if they are labeled as pre-washed."
Since the official cyclosporiasis season in Florida extends until August 31, the authorities anticipate that cases will continue to rise in the coming weeks, and the CDC has announced that it will provide updates more frequently than in previous seasons due to the severity of the outbreak.
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