Cyclospora cases in Florida now in 36 counties. How to avoid it - Yahoo

What the report says

The Palm Beach Post, citing Florida Department of Health data updated through July 18, reported that Florida has recorded 158 cyclosporiasis cases in 36 counties since May 1. The illness is caused by the Cyclospora parasite and is commonly associated with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Miami-Dade County had the highest total, with 33 cases, followed by Lee County with 16 and Broward County with 13. Several counties, including Hernando, Leon, Martin, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Wakulla and Walton, appeared in the state count for the first time in the latest update.

Nationally, the Post reported, the CDC said nearly 4,200 laboratory-confirmed cases had been identified in more than 41 states since May, with 308 hospitalizations and no deaths. Thousands more reports, largely from Michigan and Ohio, were still awaiting lab confirmation. Florida health officials have not confirmed whether the state’s cases are connected to the broader multistate outbreak.

The article said federal and state investigators have been examining links to Taylor Farms, which voluntarily recalled some iceberg lettuce products from Taylor Farms de Mexico on July 17. The lettuce had been distributed to restaurants, retailers and food-service customers, including some Taco Bell locations in five states. The FDA later said one initially positive sample was a false match, but the agency still said epidemiological evidence pointed toward Taylor Farms.

Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, appetite loss, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue. The CDC advises avoiding foods tied to outbreaks, washing produce under running water, scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables, cutting away damaged areas and cooking produce when appropriate, because washing may not fully remove the parasite.