arts
Diarrhea-causing parasite that can contaminate raw produce causing misery across several states
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· July 6, 2026
· 3 min read
(CNN) — Summer is peak season for hot weather delights like fresh berries and salad greens, but for now, you may want to consider cooking or at least thoroughly washing raw fruits and veggies. A parasite called Cyclospora, which can contaminate raw produce and causes ferocious and long-lasting bouts
Key takeaway Michigan, which typically identifies about 50 cases of cyclosporiasis in a year, has reported almost 600 cases as of July 4, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami 's proximity to agricultural areas and its status as a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities may increase the risk of Cyclospora contamination in local produce. The parasite's ability to multiply in humid environments, like those found in South Florida's farm fields, makes it a concern for residents who enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Miami-Dade County's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Little Havana and Wynwood, are known for their outdoor markets and restaurants serving fresh produce, which could potentially be contaminated with Cyclospora. As the summer months bring peak demand for raw produce, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and local health officials should be vigilant in educating the public about the importance of thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables to prevent the spread of this diarrheal illness. The Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami Police Department may also need to be prepared to respond to potential outbreaks in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more The Miami stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering arts and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (CNN) — Summer is peak season for hot weather delights like fresh berries and salad greens, but for now, you may want to consider cooking or at least thoroughly washing raw fruits and veggies. A parasite called Cyclospora, which can contaminate raw produce and causes ferocious and long-lasting bouts
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More arts →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter