Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which typically spreads through the consumption of food or water contaminated with feces. While most cases in the United States are linked to imported fresh produce, outbreaks are seasonal and can affect dozens of states simultaneously.
How Cyclospora Spreads and Why Produce Is a Risk
Instead, the illness persists in the food supply chain.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Care
The hallmark sign is sudden, frequent, and watery diarrhea.
- Increased gas
- Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis requires specific stool testing, as standard "ova and parasite" exams do not always detect Cyclospora.
Prevention Strategies for Consumers
While you cannot always identify contaminated produce by sight or smell, you can reduce your risk of infection through careful food handling. The FDA recommends the following practices:
Current Surveillance and Public Health Trends
Public health agencies, including the CDC and the FDA, conduct ongoing surveillance to identify clusters of illness that may point to a specific contaminated food source. Because Cyclospora outbreaks often involve widely distributed produce, investigators may track cases across multiple state lines.
When an outbreak is identified, the FDA works to trace the contaminated items back to their origin—whether a specific farm or a processing facility—to remove the source from the supply chain. If you suspect you have contracted a foodborne illness, contact your local health department, as reporting helps officials identify and stop larger outbreaks before they spread further.
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