DAVIE, Fla. — According to the Florida Department of Health, there have been several reported cases in South Florida of the intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.

Cyclospora commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s a seasonal infection, but outbreaks are growing.

More than 1,500 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with the infection investigations into similar illnesses have been going on in 30 other states, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation’s largest in years. No deaths have been reported.

Dr. Rachel Guran, director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention with the Memorial Healthcare system, said health officials in Florida are monitoring the situation, but cases are on par with average numbers each year.

“They are telling healthcare workers and clinicians to be aware that this is something we could potentially see,” Dr. Guran said.

Cyclospora surges can be tricky to investigate, and food poisoning sources can be hard to establish.

In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water. Also, it’s possible that food distributors may channel contaminated foods to both grocery stores and restaurants, making it hard to discern where tainted food came from.

To track cases in Florida, click here.

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