Cyclospora cases confirmed in Big Bend as statewide totals increase - WCTV

What the report says

WCTV reported that Florida health officials have logged a continued rise in confirmed Cyclospora infections, including new cases in the Big Bend region. Citing the Florida Department of Health’s latest Reportable Diseases Frequency Report, the station said 60 new confirmed cases were recorded statewide for the week of July 12-18. Two of those were in the Big Bend, with one case each in Leon and Wakulla counties.

The new local cases bring the Big Bend total to three, after an earlier case in Gadsden County in June, according to the report. WCTV, citing public FDOH data, reported that the Leon County patient was in the 35-39 age range and the Wakulla County patient was in the 40-44 range. Both infections were listed as acquired in Florida. Statewide, Florida has reported 152 confirmed Cyclospora cases in 2026, compared with 195 confirmed cases in all of 2025.

WCTV also noted that Georgia does not publicly list Cyclospora surveillance, but the CDC’s cyclosporiasis tracker shows between 31 and 80 people sick in Georgia since May 1. Separately, the Associated Press reported that federal health officials are investigating a new Cyclospora outbreak involving 72 people as of Wednesday. The FDA has not identified any products tied to those illnesses, and officials have not disclosed where those cases are located.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food, often produce exposed to unsafe water. The CDC says infection can cause intestinal illness, including frequent diarrhea. The increase matters because confirmed cases are appearing across Florida while a separate federal investigation is still trying to determine the source of a broader outbreak.