MediaUpdate

​TV20’s Kristin Chase sat down with University of Florida professor of medical geography Sadie Ryan to discuss emerging cases in Alachua County.

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​Cases of a foodborne gastrointestinal disease caused by a microscopic parasite are increasing in Florida and across the country, according to state and federal health officials.

​Cyclosporiasis cases usually increase in the summer, from May1 through Aug. 31, but there has been a significant rise in the number of cases this year in Florida and across the country.

The Florida Department of Health has received reports of two cases of cyclosporiasis in Alachua County since June 1, up from zero cases last year, and 94 cases across the state, nearly double the number of cases reported last summer.​

​Cyclosporiasis causes extreme diarrhea, among other symptoms, which can appear two days to two weeks after infection. According to health officials, these symptoms can lead to severe dehydration, putting people at risk of kidney damage, which can require hospitalization.

Common symptoms include:

• ​Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Watery diarrhea
  

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by eating food, usually produce such as leafy greens, fruits and herbs, or drinking water contaminated with feces carrying the parasite.

Past outbreaks of the disease in the U.S. have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, cabbage, parsley, broccoli, sugar snap peas, and leafy greens.

​Health officials believe that the parasite is unlikely to spread directly from person to person because it needs days to weeks after being passed in feces before it becomes infectious.

​How do I protect myself from contracting the disease?

• Watch out for public health alerts about foods linked to Cyclospora outbreaks, especially in summer
• Discard outer leaves or layers of fruits and vegetables
• Rinse produce thoroughly with water only (Cyclospora resists chlorine-based sanitizers. Don’t wash produce with soap or bleach)
• Wash pre-washed or pre-cut produce
• Clean counter tops, cutting boards, utensils, etc. with hot, soapy water to avoid cross contamination
• Cook produce to at least 158 °F when possible
• Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food

​What do I do if I contract the disease?

The CDC encourages people with symptoms of cyclosporiasis to visit their doctor.

The disease can be treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim. Health officials also recommend people experiencing diarrhea rest and drink plenty of fluids.

​Most people with healthy immune systems will recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment. But, if not treated, people may be sick anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. People with poor immune systems may be at a higher risk for severe or extended illness.

​What’s happening in the rest of the country?

The CDC, as of July 13, has received reports of 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 34 states and 141 reported hospitalizations. But the CDC believes cases will likely rise as more than 5,100 cases have been reported but not yet confirmed.

​Alachua County Animal Resources is inviting the community to its annual Summer Lovin’ Adopt-A-Thon, the shelter’s largest adoption event of the year, offering free adoptions for hundreds of dogs and cats on Saturday, Aug. 8.

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​Alachua County has temporarily closed the designated swimming area at Poe Springs Park due to poor water clarity that has reduced underwater visibility.

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​The literacy collaborative initiative dates to April of last year, when the CTAC and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a joint meeting. At that meeting, board members heard about the first phase of a four-part plan to improve literacy rates in schools and the community. 

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​Social media has become a sounding board for frustrated Alachua County drivers, with residents posting photos and videos of cracked pavement, potholes and deteriorating roads while calling on county leaders to make repairs.

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​The whistleblower investigation into the Alachua County Animal Resources shelter concluded earlier this month. The 31-page report dated July 1 found several of the initial allegations against the shelter were unsubstantiated. 

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​Alachua County Fire Rescue Captain Jennifer Allee saved a woman’s life last month while attending a youth softball game in Newberry.

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​The Alachua County Commission voted at a Tuesday meeting to look into financially supporting Gainesville Thrives, a literacy nonprofit. It also voted to purchase land near Watermelon Pond and Lake Alto Preserve. 

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​At their July 14 meeting, the Alachua County Commission commented on the Animal Resources investigative report and asked staff to look at paving some roads that aren’t in the 10-year plan, look for ways to fund the expansion of an early childhood literacy program, and explore a proposal to partner with the Florida Workforce Housing Council to expand affordable housing.

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​Recent conditions have reduced underwater visibility to the point that the County has determined the swimming area is no longer safe for public use.

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​County Manager Michele Lieberman gave Commissioners a copy of the budget book, which she said “reflects Alachua County’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, essential public services, and careful stewardship of taxpayer resources.” She said the theme for this year’s budget is “Strong Foundations, Uncertain Horizon.”

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​The Levy Loop Trail and parking lot at Barr Hammock Preserve (14920 SE 11th Dr., Micanopy) have reopened following maintenance work.

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​Alachua County’s efforts to reduce homelessness and expand access to permanent housing are being recognized in the Florida Council on Homelessness’ 2026 Annual Report provided to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature.

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