Cyclosporiasis
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes diarrhea.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People of any age are at risk of infection. People living in or traveling to developing countries may be at increased risk, but infection can be acquired worldwide. In the United States, most cases of Cyclospora infection are detected in the Spring and Summer.
Transmission can occur by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces that contain Cyclospora.
Cyclospora needs time (days or weeks) to become infectious after being shed in feces (stool). Because Cyclospora takes so long to become infectious, it is unlikely to be passed directly from one person to another. The primary source of the parasite is not yet known, and it is unknown whether animals can be infected and pass the infection on to people.
Symptoms to look for:
- Watery diarrhea
- Frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Substantial weight loss
- Increased gas and bloating
- Stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting
- Low-grade fever
Symptoms appear about 1 to 14 days (usually one week) after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may come and go, and if untreated, the illness can last for a few days to a month or longer. Some infected people may not have symptoms.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms.
Laboratory tests are available to look for Cyclospora in stool.
Because many laboratories do not routinely check for Cyclospora in stool samples, your doctor must specifically request a Cyclospora test if cyclosporiasis is suspected.
Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics.
Immunocompromised patients may require longer courses of antibiotics at higher doses. People with severe or long-lasting diarrhea should call their doctor.
The risk of cyclosporiasis can be reduced.
Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, streams, springs, or any other untreated sources.
Avoid touching human or animal feces.
Wash your hands after using the toilet, after changing diapers, and before handling food or eating.
What Do Restaurants and Retailers Need to Do
Based on current information, Cyclospora may be resistant to routine chemical disinfection methods, such as chlorine-based methods. However, restaurants and retailers should still follow basic food safety practices:
- Cyclospora generally spreads through human fecal matter; individuals with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea should not handle food in retail establishments or at home as a way to reduce contamination.
- Retailers, restaurants, and other foodservice operators should always practice safe food-handling and preparation practices. It is recommended that they wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food. Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where potentially contaminated products were stored.
- Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to prepare, serve, or store potentially contaminated products.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and following any cleaning and sanitation processes.
- Regular, frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food-contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.
For more information, please visit: https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora