Published on: September 24, 2026
Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine in humans and causes the illness that’s known as cyclosporiasis. This infection is typically linked to contaminated food or water and disrupts your body’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. It often causes persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, which should never be ignored and require medical attention. Keep reading as we discover more about cyclosporiasis, how this illness is treated, and how you can prevent cyclosporiasis in the first place.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the human intestinal tract. It differs from other common bacterial foodborne illnesses in how symptoms appear. Individuals with cyclosporiasis rarely experience vomiting or high fever; the main symptoms are watery or explosive diarrhea.
Cyclosporiasis Cases Are Rising in Florida
Florida has seen a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases during the summer of 2026. According to data from the Florida Department of Health reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, 460 confirmed or suspected cases were reported statewide between January 1 and August 15, 2026, including 296 cases in July alone. Cases have been reported throughout Florida, including here in the Tampa Bay area, with 19 cases in Pinellas County, 13 in Hillsborough County, 12 in Manatee County, and 10 each in Pasco and Sarasota counties. Federal health officials have linked several clusters of illness to iceberg lettuce produced in central Mexico, although officials have not confirmed whether additional foods or suppliers may be involved.
How Do You Get a Cyclospora Infection?
The main way individuals contract Cyclospora is by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. The infection is often linked to fresh produce, and this has been a common theme in previous outbreaks in local communities. Outbreaks often result from imported fresh produce that you would typically consume raw, such as salad mixes, lettuce, and raspberries. Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely, as the parasite is passed in stool and needs days or weeks in a warm environment to become infectious to other people.
What Are the Symptoms of Cyclospora?
Some of the symptoms of Cyclospora are like those of other gastrointestinal illnesses, which is why you may not initially be diagnosed with this illness. It’s important to note that symptoms quite often persist or return without proper treatment, and you need to seek medical assistance if this is the case for you. These are some of the most common symptoms of Cyclospora infection:
- Frequent or watery diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
How Is Cyclospora Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing persistent diarrhea, consider seeking a medical evaluation and testing to diagnose the illness. Stool testing can identify Cyclospora and help you receive proper treatment. As routine stool tests don’t always identify parasites, you will likely need a specialized test, such as a gastrointestinal PCR panel. When you visit a medical professional for a diagnosis, be sure to discuss any recent travel, foods eaten, or potential outbreak exposure. This will help them evaluate and diagnose the condition you are experiencing.
How Is Cyclospora Treated?
The standard prescription treatment for Cyclospora is a seven-to-ten-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which is better known as Bactrim or Septra. If you are experiencing prolonged diarrhea and taking this medication, it is essential to stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your recovery. While some healthy individuals may recover from Cyclospora on their own, many untreated infections last for weeks or even months without treatment. If you have medication allergies, speak with your doctor about your options to ensure you recover properly without triggering your allergies.
How Can You Prevent Cyclospora Infection?
While there are times you may have done nothing to prevent contracting Cyclospora, there are steps you can take to prevent this infection. Always wash your hands before preparing or eating food, and handle fresh fruits and vegetables properly. Follow food-safety practices, especially when traveling abroad or eating in unfamiliar locations. If you see a food recall or outbreak notice, follow the guidance and avoid eating potentially contaminated foods. While washing produce may reduce the risk of infection, it cannot eliminate Cyclospora, and sometimes it is simply bad luck when someone contracts the infection.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing persistent or recurring diarrhea, book an appointment as soon as possible. Not only is this uncomfortable to deal with for an extended period, but it’s also essential to get a proper diagnosis and find an effective treatment to resolve the issue. If you notice signs of dehydration or significant weight loss, these also suggest something is off with your body and needs assessing. If you travel regularly, or have recently traveled or possibly been exposed to an outbreak, it is also worth seeking medical advice.
While your doctor can likely discuss the various infections you could be suffering from, if you think you have Cyclospora, it is often worth booking an appointment with an infectious disease specialist. They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions such as Cyclospora and have additional training to help support patients with ongoing symptoms and recurring infections.
Cyclospora Care in Tampa Bay
If you think you may have Cyclospora in Tampa Bay, we recommend seeking support from our team at Infectious Disease Associates of Tampa Bay (IDATB). Our team has many years of experience diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, including parasitic infections such as Cyclospora. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, we highly encourage you to seek medical evaluation promptly. We will start by asking about your symptoms, any recent travel, and potential exposure to infections before testing for infections we think you may have. Our team can then offer the best treatment option to help you recover and feel like yourself again.
Cyclospora is a treatable condition but can cause prolonged symptoms when you don’t receive prompt treatment. For this reason, we encourage you to learn how to prevent Cyclospora and recognize symptoms early so you can receive a proper diagnosis. Contact our team at IDATB to book an appointment or to discuss any questions you have about Cyclospora.
