Cyclospora Cases Rise to 16 in Manatee, Sarasota Counties
Florida health officials are reporting 16 confirmed or probable cases of cyclosporiasis in Manatee and Sarasota counties so far this year, according to the latest state disease surveillance data.
The Florida Department of Health report, covering Jan. 1 through Aug. 8, shows 11 cases in Manatee County and five in Sarasota County.
The two-county total increased from 12 cases reported through Aug. 1. Manatee County added three cases during the latest reporting period, while Sarasota County added one.
Cases are also increasing statewide. Florida reported 417 confirmed or probable cases through Aug. 8, compared with 352 in the previous report, an increase of 65 cases.
Several nearby counties have also reported cases. Lee County had 35 cases, Pinellas County reported 17, Hillsborough County had 13, Pasco County reported eight and Charlotte County reported two.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
The illness can cause frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting, body aches, headaches or fever. Symptoms can last for several weeks or longer if the infection is not treated.
Florida’s surveillance figures include both confirmed and probable cases. Cases are assigned to the county where a person lives when the illness is identified, which does not necessarily indicate where the person became infected.
State health officials caution that the figures are preliminary and can change as cases are investigated, reviewed and validated.