"Explosive" diarrhea virus reaches Tampa Bay: What to know

• In Tampa Bay, Hillsborough and Polk counties have each recorded two; Pasco and Pinellas counties have each recorded one.

The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.

• The infection typically spreads during the summer months, but some states are seeing a surge in cases beyond the usual reported incidents, raising questions about what's causing the outbreak.
• Health officials do not consider cyclosporiasis to be life-threatening.
• Symptoms, which include "explosive" or "watery" diarrhea, can last for a few days or even a month or longer without any treatment, the CDC says. Some symptoms, like diarrhea, may disappear but then return.

Zoom out: At least 145 cases across 17 states were officially acquired in the U.S. between May 1 and June 16, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What we're watching: It remains unclear whether multiple outbreaks are happening at once or whether any imported produce is suspected.

• "There is currently no evidence of a single, multistate cyclospora outbreak linking all cases," the CDC says. "Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing."

Zoom in: Cyclosporiasis — which is caused by an infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis — does not transmit person-to-person, per the CDC.

• Instead, the condition often spreads from food or water contaminated with feces.
• Recently, cases in the U.S. have come from eating contaminated produce, especially during the summer months. The CDC considers the cyclosporiasis season to be May 1–Aug. 31.

Context: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified some produce items that have caused outbreaks since the 1990s, including raspberries, basil, salad mixes, cilantro, berry and fruit mixes, lettuce and snap peas.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can vary person to person, but they can appear from days to two weeks after infection, the CDC says.

• "Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of cyclosporiasis," per the CDC.

Other major symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal cramping
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Less common symptoms include: vomiting, body aches, headache, fever and other flu-like symptoms.

Treatment usually includes antibiotics, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

• Some infections resolve without treatment.

What to watch for: Experts recommend washing produce under running water before eating or cooking.

• Firm produce items, like cucumbers or watermelons, should be scrubbed with a clean brush.
• Bruised or damaged areas of fruit should be cut off, experts say.