A Parasite Behind "Explosive" Diarrhea Is Turning Up in Summer Produce — 7 Cases Now in Tampa Bay

Florida has confirmed 49 cases of cyclosporiasis this summer — the intestinal infection tied to a parasite known for causing "explosive," watery diarrhea — and seven of those cases are right here in the Tampa Bay region, according to state health data covering May 1 through July 4, 2026. With cookout-and-salad season at its peak and investigators still unable to trace the outbreak to a single food, that puts practical food-safety questions squarely in local kitchens.

The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, spreads through fresh produce or water contaminated with feces, health officials say. It is microscopic, and you can't wash it away as easily as dirt — which is why the guidance for families this summer goes a step beyond a quick rinse.

Where the local cases are

The seven Tampa Bay-area cases confirmed by the Florida Department of Health break down by county as follows:

Those local numbers are part of a broader statewide count of 49 confirmed cases over roughly two months. Nationally, the picture is larger: federal surveillance logged 145 cases across 17 states earlier in the summer, and subsequent state-level reporting has pushed totals higher still, into the hundreds across 18 states, according to local news reports and public health data.

Why officials can't name the source

The reason this outbreak is getting so much attention is that health officials have not been able to link the current wave of cases to any specific food, grower or supplier. That's unusual enough to keep investigators cautious — and it means there's no single product to pull from your fridge.

Past cyclospora outbreaks have been traced to imported fresh produce, including bagged salads, cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions. Federal and state investigators are currently examining multiple clusters to see whether any share a common source, but as of now there is no evidence that all the illnesses trace back to one nationwide outbreak.

Timing is also on the parasite's side. The CDC treats May 1 through August 31 as peak cyclosporiasis season, because summer heat creates conditions that help the parasite survive on fresh produce. In other words, the current surge lines up with the calendar — right as Tampa Bay families are loading up on raw fruits and vegetables.

What the symptoms look like

Symptoms typically show up about a week after eating contaminated food, though they can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks out, according to the CDC. That delay is part of what makes the infection tricky — by the time you feel sick, the meal that caused it may be a distant memory.

The most common sign is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Less commonly, people report vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever and other flu-like effects. One piece of reassuring news: because it takes one to two weeks for the parasite to become infectious after it passes in a bowel movement, direct person-to-person spread is considered unlikely.

It's worth noting that a standard rinse won't reliably remove cyclospora the way it removes visible grit — cooking is what officials point to as the surest safeguard. For raw items you plan to eat uncooked, thorough washing under running water remains the recommended step, alongside choosing whole produce over pre-cut, pre-bagged options.

What to do if you feel sick

Anyone with prolonged or severe watery diarrhea should contact a health care provider. Cyclosporiasis is diagnosed with specific stool testing and is typically treated with prescription antibiotics; it does not reliably clear on its own, and symptoms can come and go for weeks if untreated. Older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems are generally more vulnerable to dehydration and complications, so families in those categories may want to be especially watchful.

For now, the guidance from officials is steady rather than alarmed: no product recall to act on, no single food to avoid — just careful handling of the fresh produce that's central to a Florida summer.

Stay connected with Tampa Community Website for local updates, and join the conversation with your neighbors in our Community Forum — has this outbreak changed how you're washing or buying produce? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X so you don't miss an alert. For more coverage like this, read our latest public safety stories and healthcare news.