A rise in foodborne illnesses is giving Tampa Bay residents another reason to pay attention to what is in their refrigerators and on their plates.

Federal health officials are tracking two major outbreaks involving produce: a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce and a separate salmonella outbreak linked to recalled jalapeños.

The national developments come as Florida health officials have reported increasing cyclosporiasis cases closer to home. Through Aug. 1, Manatee County had reported eight confirmed or probable cases and Sarasota County four, up from a combined four cases reported through July 18.

While those local cases have not been directly linked to the national lettuce outbreak, the increase underscores the importance of food safety and recall awareness across Tampa Bay.

What’s happening nationally

The lettuce-linked outbreak has resulted in at least 6,358 cyclosporiasis cases, 278 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to federal data.

The outbreak has been connected to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. The lettuce was distributed to restaurants, food-service operations and retailers.

A separate salmonella outbreak linked to recalled fresh jalapeños has resulted in 346 illnesses across 27 states and 26 hospitalizations, according to federal data. No deaths have been reported.

The jalapeños were sourced from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to wholesalers and restaurants.

Why Tampa Bay residents should pay attention

Neither outbreak means every package of lettuce or jalapeños is unsafe. But foodborne outbreaks can be difficult to trace, and illnesses may continue to be identified after contaminated products have been removed from stores.

That delay is particularly important with cyclosporiasis. Symptoms can take days or even weeks to develop, making it harder for people to remember exactly what they ate.

For Tampa Bay households, food recall preparedness should be treated much like other everyday resilience planning: know where to find reliable information, check products when recalls are announced and act quickly when something in your home is affected.

Know the symptoms

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite and can cause prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating and weight loss. Symptoms can disappear and later return.

Salmonella typically causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms generally begin within six hours to six days after exposure.

Anyone experiencing significant or persistent symptoms should contact a health care provider. Frequent diarrhea can also lead to dehydration, making fluids especially important.

How to protect your household

Food safety starts before an outbreak reaches your kitchen. Residents should regularly check federal and state recall notices, particularly when an outbreak involves produce they recently purchased.

Wash hands with soap and water before and after preparing food, clean cutting boards and countertops between foods, and rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running water. Keep recalled foods away from other groceries and follow disposal or return instructions associated with the specific recall.

If you no longer have the original packaging and cannot determine whether a food is part of a recall, follow the guidance issued for that specific product rather than relying on appearance or smell.

The bottom line for Tampa Bay

With local cyclosporiasis cases rising and federal officials simultaneously investigating major produce-related outbreaks, Tampa Bay residents have good reason to make food safety part of their household preparedness routine.

Check recalls. Know what is in your refrigerator. Watch for symptoms. When an affected product is identified, don't eat it.