Cyclospora: Know the Symptoms and When to Seek Care

News headlines have been full of the cyclosporiasis outbreak that is sickening people in multiple states with intestinal illness. Health officials are investigating the outbreak caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Past outbreaks in the United States have frequently been associated with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms commonly begin about one week after exposure but may appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or longer. Watch for:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Increased gas
• Fatigue
• Body aches or a low-grade fever

Without treatment, typically an antibiotic, symptoms may last several weeks. They can also improve temporarily and then return.

Wash Fresh Produce Carefully

The best prevention is to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling produce. Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean, running water before eating, cutting, or cooking them, even when the packaging says the produce is prewashed.

Scrub firm produce, such as cucumbers and melons, with a clean produce brush. Remove any bruised or damaged areas. Washing produce can reduce the risk of foodborne illness, but it may not completely remove Cyclospora.

Cooking produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit can also kill the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis.

When to Contact the Clinic

Contact Hereford Health Clinic if you develop watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, especially if it occurs with fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, or stomach discomfort.

Diagnosing cyclosporiasis requires a stool sample and specific testing for Cyclospora. Routine stool tests may not screen for this parasite, so tell your clinician about your symptoms and any recent travel or fresh produce you have eaten.

To schedule an appointment, call Hereford Health Clinic at (806) 364-7512

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.