Summer Bummer Part Two: What you should know about cyclospora

Key Takeaways:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there had been more than 1,644 cases of cyclospora and 94 hospitalizations in five states as of July 14.
• Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food and water.
• It can cause gastrointestinal illness, including explosive diarrhea.
• Those who experience severe dehydration and weakness and weight loss should seek medical attention.

Cyclospora outbreaks across the nation are making headlines, primarily due to the “explosive diarrhea” that comes with it. 

But what is it, what are the symptoms, and when should you seek treatment?

Let’s get into it.

What is cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food and water and cause a gastrointestinal illness. It is often linked with fresh produce, including things like leafy greens, herbs, berries, and other raw fruits and vegetables.
Unlike other foodborne illnesses, it is typically not spread from person to person because the parasite has to be in the environment for it to mature.

What are the symptoms?
Not everyone who has been infected will experience symptoms. Primary symptoms include watery diarrhea and explosive bowel movements.

The time between infection and onset of symptoms is usually about one week, but it can range from two days to two weeks or more.

When should I seek medical attention?
When diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, there are concerns for severe dehydration and weakness and weight loss. That’s when you should seek medical attention.

How can we avoid contracting cyclospora?
Safe food practices help, so washing and scrubbing fruits and vegetables when applicable, making sure you’re preparing food in a safe manner, and paying attention to CDC as well as FDA food recalls is of the utmost importance. 

A common myth is that a quick rinse with water can make all fresh produce safe to eat. However, cyclospora can linger even despite rinsing with water, so it’s important to pay attention to food recalls.

Do I need to avoid all fresh produce?
You do not need to avoid all fresh produce. However, stay diligent with foods that have historically been linked to cyclospora outbreaks. Watch CDC and FDA food recalls closely.

Staying vigilant = staying safe
Cyclospora might be making headlines, however, the key takeaway should be awareness. Stay up to date with food hygiene practices, be aware of what recalls are happening, and let our public health investigators do what they do best and find the source.