Cyclosporiasis alert in South Florida: CDC issues protection recommendations

Health officials are issuing alerts for cyclosporiasis in South Florida as cases in Miami-Dade County have nearly tripled in just one week. The county reported 17 cases between May 1 and July 11, a significant jump from the six cases recorded by July 4.

Broward County saw an increase from five to seven cases in the same period, and Monroe County reported its first case. Across Florida, the state's total cases rose from 50 to 96 between early May and mid-July. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired within the U.S. since May.

The CDC is investigating several outbreaks, including one cluster with over 400 infections across at least four states, suggesting a potential common source. While authorities have not identified a specific food item, researchers in Michigan are exploring lettuce and salad greens as possible culprits, though this remains unconfirmed.

To mitigate the risk, the CDC recommends thorough hand washing, washing fresh produce, and cooking food completely. They also advise following public health alerts. The affected individuals range in age from two to 95, with 56% being women. While 9% of those with available information were hospitalized, no deaths have been reported.