Cyclosporiasis (cy-clo-spo-ry-uh-sis) is an illness caused by a microscopic parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis. Food or water can become contaminated with poop that contains the parasite. People can then become sick by consuming the contaminated food or water.
Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) is usually transmitted when someone consumes food or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) containing the parasite. Person-to-person spread is unlikely. In the US, past foodborne outbreaks of Cyclospora have been linked to fresh produce, such as salad, snow peas, herbs, and other various fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms normally begin around 7 days after exposure but can range from 2-14 days.
Symptoms can last for a few days to more than a month if not treated. If left untreated, some people may also experience a cycle of symptoms. In these cases, infected people will feel sick, then feel better for a few days, and then start to feel sick again.
Some infected people do not have any symptoms, particularly people from areas where cyclosporiasis is routinely expected (endemic) particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Diagnosis
Cyclosporiasis is normally diagnosed through laboratory testing of a poop sample. Sometimes, diagnosis can be challenging because some patients may not shed enough of the parasite to be detected, even if they are experiencing symptoms. Because of this, your doctor may ask you to submit multiple stool samples.
Health care providers may have to specifically request testing for Cyclospora.
Treatment
Most people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment. A combination of antibiotics containing sulfa are used to treat Cyclospora when needed. Contact your doctor to discuss treatment options. It is recommended that patients drink plenty of fluids to manage diarrhea and prevent dehydration.
Hand hygiene
Food safety
Travel
Be sure to speak to a doctor if you believe you have Cyclospora. If you test positive for Cyclospora, your local or state public health department will be reaching out for an interview. The information you provide is extremely valuable to possibly finding what made you sick and preventing others from getting sick. The following groups of people should not return to work or school until approved by the local health department:
If any of these apply to you, then you must meet certain requirements to return to work or school. Once you or your child start having symptoms of the illness, such as diarrhea, do not attend work (specifically for food handlers, healthcare workers, daycare workers) or attend daycare or school until a healthcare provider or someone from your local health department says you are clear to go back. This will help prevent the spread of Cyclospora and keep others from getting sick.
Page last updated/reviewed: December 2024
