A parasitic disease called cyclosporiasis is on the rise in the United States, affecting more than 140 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cyclosporiasis is a food poisoning, but unlike common food poisonings caused by bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, it is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora caietanensis.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, most bacterial food poisonings clear up within a few days, but cyclosporiasis can cause gastrointestinal symptoms that last for weeks or even longer.
For now, people need to stay informed, but there is no need to panic. Cyclosporiasis is not usually transmitted directly from person to person. Rather, the main risk lies in eating contaminated fresh food. Additional concerns include delays in diagnosis and severe diarrhea that lasts for several weeks, much longer than typical abdominal pain.
Here’s what you need to know about the parasites that cause diarrhea and steps you can take to lower your risk.
In which states have cases of cyclosporiasis been reported?
The CDC reports that 145 people have become ill and 20 have been hospitalized in the United States, but no deaths have been reported. Cases occurred in people aged 5 to 86 years, with a median age of 42 years. Cyclosporiasis season, typically the month when cases spike in the United States, runs from May 1 to the end of August. There have also been 1,251 reported cases in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
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There was no indication that one national outbreak was responsible for all the cases. Federal, state and local health officials were instead investigating multiple infection groups and possible sources of contamination.
What is cyclosporosis and its symptoms?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by microscopic parasites. Over the past few weeks, there have been more reports of what the CDC describes as “explosive diarrhea.” Several foods have been linked to the outbreak, including bagged salad kits, raspberries, green onions, coriander and basil.
“This infection must be treated with antibiotics, and there is a special antibiotic called Bactrim DS,” says Anil Sharma, MD, associate professor in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Florida College of Medicine. “Doctors won’t know how to treat your diarrhea unless you get a positive stool test, especially one for gastrointestinal pathogens. Without testing, it could be considered bacterial or viral diarrhea.”
This infection is spread by ingestion after contact with contaminated feces. Bacteria often contaminate water and food. There is no direct human-to-human transmission.
“When you’re around someone with ancyclosporosis, you should wash fresh food and wash your hands carefully,” Sharma says. “Even if you’re in a less affected area of the country, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions.”
How can I protect myself from this parasite?
To reduce the risk of cystosporeosis, health authorities have issued the following guidance for anyone involved in preparing, processing, or serving fresh food:
Other ways to reduce your risk of foodborne illness:
- Scrub hard produce like melons and cucumbers with a clean brush.
- Cut out any bruised or damaged parts before eating.
- Clean and disinfect cookware and countertop surfaces before and after use.
- Disinfect showcases and refrigerators that store perishable foods.
- Clean and disinfect cutting boards and utensils used for fresh food.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables immediately.
Kristen Jordan Sheamus/USA TODAY NETWORK
This story has been updated to add new information.
