Five cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed across Martin and St. Lucie counties as part of a statewide outbreak linked to contaminated produce, according to the Florida Department of Health. Two confirmed cases were reported in St. Lucie County, two in Palm Beach County, and one in Martin County. Statewide, Florida has recorded 94 confirmed cases of the parasitic illness.
The outbreak is one of several recent incidents involving bacteria and parasites on produce that have raised food safety concerns across South Florida. Cyclosporiasis is spread through food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite, often found on fresh greens and berries. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.
Ryan Boylston of Delray Beach has responded to the outbreak by growing his own food at home. Boylston started cultivating produce in his yard three years ago and now eats food from his garden daily. Through his company Urban Abundance, he installs gardens in customer yards using raised planters similar to those on his property.
For families concerned about produce safety, Boylston recommends growing Florida-friendly crops including spinach, sweet potatoes, yardlong beans, pineapples, and mangos during summer months. He suggests raised garden beds with smooth sides to prevent iguanas from climbing and destroying plants, a common challenge for South Florida gardeners.