Florida health officials confirmed 60 cases of Cyclospora infection statewide as of July 15, 2026, with Brevard County reporting one confirmed case and Flagler County also confirming one. Other counties including Sumter, Volusia, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake each have two cases, while Orange County has four. The Florida Department of Health said the outbreak is linked to contaminated produce, particularly lettuce and other salad greens. Farmers in the state say eating locally grown food reduces the risk of such outbreaks.
Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water, often causing diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue. Health officials warn that the infection can take weeks to develop after exposure. The parasite is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions but has been linked to imported produce in the U.S.
Local farmers in Brevard and other counties have increased sanitation measures, including using treated water instead of canal water to irrigate crops. One Brevard farmer said, 'When you sell directly to consumers, you have to make sure every step is clean.' Farmers are also washing produce more thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination during handling.
An interactive map created by WESH’s data team shows confirmed cases nationwide, with Florida’s total displayed at the top of the map. The map allows users to hover over states to see detailed county-level data. Officials stress that the number of cases may rise as more people report symptoms.
Health officials recommend washing all produce thoroughly, avoiding pre-washed greens if possible, and cooking vegetables when in doubt. They also advise avoiding raw fruits and vegetables from areas with known outbreaks. The CDC is investigating the source of the contamination, but no specific product has been linked yet.