The first deaths have been reported in connection with the ongoing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection known for causing explosive diarrhea.
The largest outbreak has been connected to lettuce in nine states from a Mexican farm and a California distributor, but the Food and Drug Administration is also investigating smaller outbreaks around the country.
Health officials in Michigan, which has led the U.S. case count, reported 11,234 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis and the two resulting deaths on Monday, Aug. 3. The state's health department noted both patients had "significant underlying health conditions" that may have been impacted by the illness and resulting dehydration.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet
released a statement, but a banner atop its cyclospora tracking page on Aug. 3 read, "CDC is aware of two cyclosporiasis-related deaths in people with underlying health conditions from Michigan as part of this outbreak."
As of July 28, Florida has reported 254 cases of the stomach-churning infection across 39 counties since May 1, according to the latest update from the state health department. Florida's cases have not been linked to any specific outbreak. No deaths have been reported.
Cyclosporasis is not generally considered deadly, though it can cause serious disease in certain at-risk people. In fact, death from the infection is "uncommon" in the United States, said state health officials.
Ohio and Michigan have led the charge in reporting confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, tracking numbers that well outpace federal totals. This is because cases tracked by the CDC are updated weekly and only reported if they have been laboratory-confirmed, occurred since May 1, and cleared several other hurdles to be added to the nationwide count. CDC numbers tend to experience a six-week lag, according to the agency.
The CDC has reported 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of the illness between May 1 and July 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its weekly update. Cases have now been recorded in 45 states.
More than 11,500 additional cases, primarily in Michigan and Ohio, have been reported but not yet been confirmed by laboratories, the CDC said. As of July 31, the Ohio Department of Health is reporting 4,013 cases.
See where cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in Florida
Is there a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Florida?
As of July 25, the Florida Department of Health has reported 254 cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, out of a total of 264 reported cases this year.
State and federal officials have not confirmed whether the state's cyclosporiasis cases are linked to any specific outbreak. The FDOH has reported an average of 246 cases of cyclosporiasis every year from 2015 through 2025, with a notable rise in cases in the last few years.
Florida's warm climate and year-round access to fresh produce make it especially vulnerable, the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine said, with a seasonal rise in cyclosporiasis during late spring and summer.
There were 210 cases reported last year and 222 in 2024, data show. Cases surged over 500 in both 2019 and 2022.
Cases by county since May 1:
- Alachua County: 4
- Bay County: 7
- Brevard County: 7
- Broward County: 22
- Collier County: 6
- Columbia County: 1
- Duval County: 6
- Escambia County: 3
- Flagler County: 3
- Gadsden County: 1
- Hernando County: 1
- Highlands County: 2
- Hillsborough County: 8
- Jackson County: 1
- Lake County: 4
- Lee County: 23
- Leon County: 4
- Manatee County: 6
- Marion County: 3
- Martin County: 1
- Miami-Dade County: 40
- Monroe County: 1
- Nassau County: 1
- Okaloosa County: 4
- Orange County: 21
- Osceola County: 8
- Palm Beach County: 10
- Pasco County: 5
- Pinellas County: 11
- Polk County: 7
- Santa Rosa County: 4
- Sarasota County: 4
- Seminole County: 5
- St. Johns County: 7
- St. Lucie County: 3
- Sumter County: 2
- Volusia County: 8
- Wakulla County: 1
- Walton County: 2
Who is getting cyclospora infections in Florida?
Florida's 254 victims of cyclospora infections are all ages from the 15-19 age range and up, FDOH data showed, including three people 85 years of age or older.
Of those cases, 155 were acquired in Florida, 20 were acquired in another state, and 38 were acquired outside the country. The source of 41 of the cases was unknown.
Where is the cyclospora outbreak coming from?
Investigations by the Food and Drug Administration, the CDC, and state health officials have linked the outbreak to California produce supplier Taylor Farms, which issued a voluntary recall on July 17 of iceberg lettuce products from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
The lettuce recalled was sold in retail stores, served in restaurants, and distributed to food service customers. Taco Bell, which was linked to outbreaks in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, removed all Taylor Farms lettuce at select restaurants, and Walmart pulled some bags of Marketside Bagged Iceberg Salad and Shredded Iceberg Salads, distributed by Taylor Farms. The lettuce had been sold in stores in 27 states.
Does cyclospora cause vomiting? What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may vary, according to the CDC, but watery diarrhea is the most common. Others include loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
Some people may also experience vomiting, body aches, headaches, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms. Others may show no symptoms at all.
Symptoms can begin to show from two days to two weeks or more after infection, the CDC said. Without treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.
If symptoms persist, contact your health care provider.
How to avoid cyclospora
The single best way to avoid the illness is to not eat food connected with it, the CDC said. That means avoiding foods linked to outbreaks, and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking, even if it is labeled pre-washed.
Firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
However, since washing alone may not be enough to remove the parasite, the CDC recommends cooking produce to a temperature of at least 158 degrees.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 2 deaths linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak. How many Florida cases?
