Cyclosporiasis Cases Are Rising: What You Need to Know

From bagged salads to fresh herbs, imported produce can sometimes carry a microscopic parasite that is leaving thousands of people battling weeks of stomach issues.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The disease has been reported in 34 states, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 cases since May 1, according to data updated July 13.

Of those cases, 141 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

How cyclosporiasis is transmitted

People become infected with cyclosporiasis by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to the CDC.

"Cyclospora does not exist in the U.S. It is imported in contaminated foods," said Jill Roberts, a professor in the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida.

Cases typically increase during the spring and summer, making cyclosporiasis season run from May 1 through Aug. 31.

While anyone can become infected, the risk is higher for people who consume imported produce because the parasite is commonly introduced through contaminated foods grown outside the United States.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, imported foods that have been linked to cyclosporiasis outbreaks include:

• Basil

• Bagged salads and salad mixes

• Cilantro

• Mesclun lettuce

• Parsley

• Raspberries

• Snow peas

• Sweet peas

Symptoms and treatment

The most common symptom of Cyclospora cayetanensis infection is watery diarrhea, which can be severe.

"The disease is annoying, but rarely is it serious. The infection causes long-lasting diarrhea, which can be described as explosive. There is a lot of gas produced, causing abdominal pain, passing gas and even burping," Roberts said.

Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite

• Bloating

• Burping

• Excessive gas

• Fatigue

• Low-grade fever

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea

• Vomiting

The Cleveland Clinic notes that some people infected with the parasite may not experience any symptoms.

Without treatment, symptoms can last several days or longer and may return multiple times, according to health officials.

The only way to diagnose cyclosporiasis is through stool sample testing performed by a health care provider.

Doctors typically prescribe the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold under the brand names Bactrim and Septra, to treat the infection.

Prevention

The CDC recommends several steps to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Thoroughly rinse produce under running water before eating or preparing it.

• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.

• Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.

Where the outbreak has been reported

Although the CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases since May 1, health officials believe the true number of infections is likely higher because many cases go undiagnosed or unreported.

Some states have reported significantly more cases than others, according to the CDC.