Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Five Tampa Bay area cases reported

TAMPA, Fla. - Local health experts are watching the latest cyclosporiasis outbreak closely as five cases have been reported in the Tampa Bay area.

Tracking the Tampa Bay cases

By the numbers:

According to the Florida Department of Health's reportable disease website, there have been 36 total cases reported in Florida between May 1, 2026, and June 27, 2026.

RELATED: Cyclosporiasis in Florida: List of foods linked to some outbreaks

Here’s a breakdown of the five cases in the Tampa Bay area: 

• Hillsborough: 2
• Polk: 2
• Pasco: 1 

Local perspective:

Doctors at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital are closely monitoring the situation, noting that these cases typically spike during the summer.

"It's common for people to have barbecues and cookouts. Food is staying outside, food is being heated, and also produce is more common to be eaten during the summer months, too," said Isis Lamphier, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s director of infection prevention. 

While the hospital itself has not treated any patients for the parasite yet, medical professionals suspect there could be more cases.

What is cyclosporiasis? 

Why you should care:

Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which experts say is found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces. Outbreaks have occurred in the US as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce in hot weather. 

"When you ingest an infected fruit or vegetable, normally about two to 14 days, you will have the symptoms," Dr. Adelor Zamora, medical director of the Infection Prevention Control Program at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. "Of course, it varies person to person."

Searching for the source

What we don't know:

Health officials have not yet pinpointed the exact source causing this current wave of infections. 

"Fortunately, it is not transmitted person to person. But we are curious to see where it came from," said Lamphier. 

The backstory:

Historically, outbreaks have come from bagged salad mixes, cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. It all comes down to how the parasite — which causes this illness — clings to food. 

"Some of those things are tied to it due to its surface area," said Joshua Payne, a nutrition agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. "There's more risk for exposure on them."

What You Should Know:

If you are preparing or eating any of the following raw foods, take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure: 

• Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.
• Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves.  Safest when cooked.
• Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).
• Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.
• Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.

"This parasite has been around since the 90s documented, and so don't let it scare you from eating your fruits and vegetables. But you still want to be safe about it," said Payne. "Continue to wash your hands, continue to wash your produce, and continue to be up-to-date on any food recalls."

What's next:

So if you recently ate contaminated food and are experiencing symptoms, how do you know when to seek medical help?

"Normally, after the third day up to a week, that's the time you're going to feel that you're getting dehydrated. You're going to feel weak. You cannot focus. Sometimes you may have some fevers, too," said Zamora. "So I would say, by that time — even if it's not related to the parasite — go and seek medical help at that point."

He said antibiotics can be used to treat this illness.