Florida has reported 548 probable and confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of Oct 10 — a record since the state began tracking the illness in 1995, when it averaged 246 cases a year. The previous record was 543 in 2019; 2025 saw just 210 cases.
The national outbreak officially ended Sept 11 when the CDC closed its investigation — nearly 13,000 cases and two deaths were linked to iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico. But none of Florida's cases have been officially tied to any outbreak, so no specific contaminated product has been identified here.
Locally, the counts include 61 cases in Miami-Dade, 35 in Broward, and 29 in Palm Beach County. Doctors advise washing produce under running water before eating and refrigerating perishable foods promptly — though rinsing alone does not completely eliminate Cyclospora, a parasite that causes watery diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and fatigue.
Why it matters
A record-setting foodborne illness with cases right here in our three counties — a practical reminder for Malayalee families to wash produce carefully and store perishables promptly, without panic.
