WINK News Digital Team
•8/6/2026
LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Cases of the intestinal parasite Cyclospora continue to climb across Florida, with the state reporting 352 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis from the start of the year through Aug. 1, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health.
Lee County has reported 32 cases, up from 25 in the previous state report, giving it the third-highest total in Florida behind Miami-Dade County with 50 cases and Broward County with 34 cases.
In Southwest Florida, Collier County has reported seven cases and Charlotte County has reported one.
The Florida Department of Health reported cyclosporiasis cases in the following counties:
The increase in Florida cases comes as federal health officials investigate a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce.
The CDC said cases in 15 states have been tied to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico and grown in central Mexico. The company recalled the lettuce on July 17 after it was distributed to consumers, restaurants and retailers in at least 27 states, including Taco Bell locations and select Walmart stores.
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The CDC says Cyclospora cases have been reported in at least 47 states this year, with the national number of illnesses surpassing 25,000. Michigan has reported more than 12,000 cases, including two deaths confirmed as related to Cyclospora.
The worst year in the U.S. for infections was 2019, when about 4,700 illnesses were reported nationally. This year has far surpassed that, as reported by the Associated Press.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water and causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms can include frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks or even longer.
Health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against Cyclospora. Anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms should contact a health care provider.
