Cyclosporiasis – General Information
Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning caused by a parasite. A parasite is an organism or living thing that lives inside another organism. Symptoms typically start within a week of eating contaminated food. The main symptom is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include:
- Severe (explosive) diarrhea
- Bloating, burping, and increased gas
- Low-grade fever
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Less common symptoms include nausea and vomiting
This illness is transmitted through fecal (poop) to oral (mouth) route. This means individuals may become sick when germs from feces are ingested. This could happen from swimming in contaminated water including pools, hot tubs, or lakes. It can also be spread by eating contaminated food. Food may become contaminated by feces coming in contact with fresh produce and food or using contaminated water to grow or clean produce.
There is currently no evidence that cyclosporiasis can spread from person to person.
Some of the foods that have been previously linked to outbreaks of cyclosporiasis include:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Lettuce (Mesclun)
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Sweet peas
If you believe you may have been infected with the cyclosporiasis parasite, you should contact your primary healthcare provider. Without treatment, symptoms may last for a month or more. Cyclosporiasis is typically diagnosed by collecting and testing a stool (poop) sample.
Although handwashing and cleaning produce is always recommended, these methods do not necessarily kill the cyclospora parasite.
If someone believes they may have been infected with the cyclospora parasite, they should contact their primary care provider for guidance on testing and symptom management. Individuals should consider seeking emergency care if they experience symptoms of dehydration including decreased urine output, dark colored urine, dry mouth, or dizziness. Testing typically involves collecting and testing a stool sample.
References
- CDC – About Cyclosporiasis
- Cleveland Clinic – Cyclosporiasis
- FDA Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
- 2026-833-07-16-ADV-Cyclospora
For Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers should have a heightened clinical suspicion for cyclosporiasis in individuals with compatible symptoms. Testing must be specifically ordered for cyclospora testing. See resources below for additional information on testing.
Cyclosporiasis is a voluntary reportable disease in PA, meaning healthcare providers are not required to report cases to their local health department. However, Erie County Department of Health staff are encouraging healthcare providers to submit reports. Health department staff are monitoring the situation and will support and investigate cases that may be reported. If an individual receives a call from the health department, they can anticipate questions about recent travel, exposures and interactions with animals, and food they have eaten in the past 10-14 days before developing symptoms.
For questions, healthcare providers may contact 814-451-6745.
Quest Diagnostics – Cyclospora and Isospora Test Code – 10018
Quest Diagnostics – Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites