Cyclosporiasis

Aug. 13, 2026 | Cyclosporiasis, the gastrointestinal disease that’s been making national headlines in past weeks, can affect anyone at any age. More than 10,000 people ranging in age from 1 to 98 years old have been diagnosed with the illness as of August 3rd, with cases reported in 47 states since May 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two deaths have been reported so far and hundreds have been hospitalized. Cases of cyclosporiasis are known to rise during spring and summer months in the U.S., with a typical season running from the start of May through the end of August. But case counts are particularly high this year. According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service, the largest cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. on record led to about 1,500 cases and involved raspberries. Other large outbreaks typically haven’t surpassed 1,000 cases.

Aug. 13, 2026 | Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. Cyclospora is so small it can only be seen under a microscope. Anyone can become infected when they drink water or eat raw food, usually raw produce, that is carrying the parasite. Food picks up the parasite most often through water supplies that are contaminated with human feces. It’s important to note that cyclosporiasis is not transmitted via person-to-person contact. People with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV, the elderly or children may experience more severe symptoms or complications from severe dehydration and may need longer treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about one week but can range from two days to two weeks or more.

Aug. 13, 2026 | People can become infected with cyclospora if they live or travel to an area where cyclosporiasis is regularly found or by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite. Cyclospora infects the small intestine and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. People may also experience vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms. However, some people who are infected with cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may lead to dehydration and severe complications that may require higher levels of care. These complications may last from a few days to a month or longer. The symptoms may seem to go away and then relapse.

Aug. 13, 2026 | Cyclosporiasis can only be diagnosed through a stool exam, so if you display any of the symptoms of the illness, you should contact a medical professional to have your stool tested for the parasite. Dr. Robert Hopkins, a professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at UAMS, says that for any diarrhea-related illness, drinking fluids to remain hydrated is important. Cyclosporiasis is treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Your doctor may also recommend antidiarrheal medications and hydration. Some infections will go away on their own, but treatment is recommended for confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis. Dr. Hopkins says there are many causes of diarrhea, and since cyclospora infection is treatable, getting diagnosed is important. If the diarrhea is severe and you are dizzy when standing or feel your heart rate speed up, you should seek medical care immediately.

Aug. 13, 2026 | The best way to prevent cyclosporiasis is to avoid any food or water that may be contaminated with the parasite cyclospora. If you are planning to travel to any areas where the disease is common, such as tropical or subtropical regions, it’s important to know that routine chemical disinfection or sanitization of food or water is unlikely to kill cyclospora. When it comes to reducing the risk of a foodborne illness related to fresh produce, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. Thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed and use a clean produce brush to scrub firm fruits and vegetables like melons and cucumbers. Cooking can kill the parasite so be sure to cook produce to a temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit and refrigerate any cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.