Florida Reports 154 Confirmed Cyclosporiasis Cases as Parasite Outbreak Spreads

Florida has documented 154 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea, with an additional four suspected cases still under investigation, according to the state Health Department. Miami-Dade County leads the state with 33 confirmed infections, followed by Broward County with 13 cases and Monroe County with one confirmed case.

State health officials determined that 98 of the infections originated within Florida, while the remainder were contracted either elsewhere in the United States or internationally. The outbreak is part of a larger multistate occurrence that has affected residents across the country.

Taylor Farms, a California-based produce company, expanded a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico after establishing a potential connection to the cyclosporiasis outbreak. The contaminated products reached 27 states, including Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey.

The company identified 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products sold under eight different brand codes as potentially contaminated with the parasite. Products were distributed with shipment dates as recent as July 16 and carry “best by” dates extending to August 3. Taylor Farms did not provide additional details about specific brand names or retail locations.

Health officials recommend thoroughly washing hands and fresh produce before consumption to prevent infection from the parasite.