As summer reaches its peak, Florida is seeing an increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Health officials are investigating cases reported across the state as part of a . While illness can be unpleasant, awareness and early treatment can help Floridians reduce the likelihood and severity of infection.
Dr. Kami Kim, Andor Szentivanyi Professor of Medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Florida has since Jan. 1, with 96 occurring between May 1 and July 11 this year.Federal officials continue to investigate a larger increase in illnesses reported .
, Andor Szentivanyi Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Infectious Disease & International Medicine in the , says the seasonal increase is not unexpected but underscores the importance of food safety and recognizing symptoms early.
“911 tend to see more cases during the warmer months because this is when fresh produce consumption increases and many of the fruits and vegetables associated with Cyclospora are widely available,” said Dr. Kim. “While most people won't become ill, it's important to recognize the symptoms and seek medical care if diarrhea is severe or persists.”
What is Cyclospora?
is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. Unlike many other causes of diarrheal illness, Cyclospora is generally not spread from person to person. People typically become infected after consuming fresh produce or water contaminated with the parasite.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that people think they can catch Cyclospora from someone who is sick,” Dr. Kim said. “But unlike many gastrointestinal illnesses, Cyclospora is generally not spread directly from person to person. Most infections are linked to contaminated food or water, which is why public health officials work to identify the source of the contamination.”
Over the past decade, outbreaks have been to a variety of imported and domestically grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Because many produce items are distributed widely, identifying the exact source of an outbreak can take weeks.
Why are cases increasing now?
Each year, the United States experiences a seasonal rise in cyclosporiasis during late spring and summer. Florida's warm climate and year-round access to fresh produce make it especially vulnerable.
The parasite presents a unique public health challenge because symptoms often do not appear until approximately one week after exposure. So, by the time patients become ill, they can have difficulty remembering precisely what they ate, further complicating outbreak investigations.
"One of the biggest challenges is that there is often a delay between exposure and illness,” said Dr. Kim. “That makes it much harder for patients and investigators to identify the contaminated food source."
What symptoms should Floridians watch for?
Symptoms commonly begin about one to two weeks after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- 911ight loss
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Low-grade fever
Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks. Sometimes symptoms improve, only to return again.
Who is most at risk?
Although anyone can become infected, young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to complications stemming from prolonged diarrhea.
"Most healthy people recover, but persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and significant fatigue,” said Dr. Kim.
Anyone with symptoms lasting more than a few days should contact their healthcare provider.
Can people still eat fresh produce?
Fresh fruits and vegetables remain an essential part of a healthy diet, Kim says.
She encourages consumers to practice good food safety habits, including washing produce under running water before eating and refrigerating perishable foods promptly.
Washing produce helps reduce bacteria, but it does not completely eliminate Cyclospora if contamination has occurred, making surveillance of the food supply equally important. Consumers should follow public health advisories if a specific product is linked to an outbreak
When should someone seek medical care?
Because many gastrointestinal illnesses cause similar symptoms, laboratory testing may be needed to diagnose Cyclospora. Fortunately, the infection is treatable with prescription antibiotics.
People experiencing prolonged diarrhea, especially if accompanied by dehydration, weight loss or persistent fatigue, should seek medical evaluation.
What Floridians should know
For most Floridians, it remains safe to continue eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Experts recommend practicing safe food handling, staying informed about public health advisories and seeking medical care if gastrointestinal symptoms persist.