NewsNBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsJuly 16, 2026Miami-Dade County
Cyclospora parasite cases rising in South Florida
Health officials report a significant increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea, across South Florida and the state. The CDC is currently investigating the source of the outbreak, which is linked to contaminated food or water.
Read the full story at NBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsWhy It Matters
Residents in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties face an increased risk of foodborne illness, requiring heightened attention to food hygiene and washing produce.
Key Facts
- Miami-Dade County reported 17 cases of cyclosporiasis between May 1 and July 11, nearly tripling from 6 cases reported by July 4.
- Broward County reported 7 cases between May 1 and July 11, an increase from 5 cases reported by July 4.
- Monroe County reported its first confirmed case of cyclosporiasis.
- Statewide, Florida cases increased from 50 to 96 between July 4 and July 11.
- The CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1.
- The CDC is reviewing over 5,100 additional cases to determine if they are domestically acquired.
- The parasite is transmitted through food or water contaminated with feces.
- Health officials in Michigan identified lettuce or salad greens as potential sources based on over 1,000 patient interviews.
- No specific source for the current outbreak has been officially identified by the CDC.
- Cooking food thoroughly kills the parasite.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationFlorida Department of Health“Source of the reported case data for Florida counties.”locationMonroe“Reported its first case of cyclosporiasis.”locationMiami-Dade“Reported 17 cases of cyclosporiasis.”locationBroward“Reported 7 cases of cyclosporiasis.”OrganizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Leading the investigation into the source of the parasite.”