The county of Miami-Dade tops the list of confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in Florida, amid an outbreak that has already made thousands of people sick across the country and that health authorities are still investigating.
The microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, known for causing "explosive diarrhea," has led to nearly 7,000 notifications nationwide: 1,645 confirmed cases and more than 5,100 under investigation, according to the most recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Florida has surpassed 100 confirmed cases, a figure four times higher than in the same period in 2025.
The cases in Miami-Dade tripled in just one week, rising from six to 17 between July 4 and July 11, placing the county at the forefront of the state, followed by Lee County with 14 cases and Broward with seven.
Federal authorities identified the source of the outbreak as the chopped iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from Mexico, processed in Guanajuato and distributed to Taco Bell restaurants in at least five states between June 29 and July 16.
The company carried out a voluntary and indefinite withdrawal of the product.
90% of the people interviewed by the authorities reported having consumed iceberg lettuce before falling ill.
Taco Bell, for its part, proactively removed several ingredients—lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole—from select restaurants before an official link was confirmed.
"The health and safety of our customers are our top priority," the chain stated, clarifying that health authorities have not confirmed any link to any specific ingredient, supplier, or restaurant.
What foods to avoid and how to protect yourself?
Dr. Edmara Nieves, associate medical director of the emergency services at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, consulted by El Nuevo Herald, recommends temporarily avoiding the consumption of raw vegetables and fresh uncooked products while investigators determine all sources of the outbreak.
"We always advocate for a healthy diet, so we would never say 'don't eat vegetables or fruits.' Just be more mindful of what you choose at the supermarket," the specialist noted.
For those who wish to continue consuming fruits, Nieves advises choosing those that can be peeled, such as bananas, tangerines, pineapples, and mangoes, as the parasite tends to reside on the outer surface.
If you choose berries or other fruits and vegetables, washing must be thorough.
"Rinsing the fruit is not enough," warned Nieves, who explained that friction is required "under the running water for several minutes."
He also specified that "many commercial products for washing fruits and vegetables are not effective."
Cooking food is another safe alternative: steaming for a few minutes is sufficient to eliminate the parasite, and authorities in Michigan recommend reaching at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
The CDC and Michigan authorities also recommend buying whole lettuce instead of packaged, discarding two or three outer layers of leaves, scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables with a clean brush, and refrigerating cut or cooked products within a maximum of two hours.
The parasite has an incubation period of between two and 14 days and can cause up to ten bowel movements daily, as well as colic, nausea, and fatigue.
Without treatment, the illness can last for weeks; the recommended antibiotic is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for seven to ten days.
Related videos:
Filed under: