Answering Your Questions About Cyclospora

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, but recent Cyclospora-related recalls are reminding us that even healthy foods can sometimes carry hidden risks.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce and vegetables and cause stomach illness and diarrhea. While most people recover with appropriate treatment, recognizing the warning signs early and knowing when to seek medical care are important to prevent serious complications.

The good news is there are practical steps you can take to lower your risk of infection and recognize the warning signs if you become ill. We spoke with infectious disease physician Dr. Jaraad Dattadeen about how Cyclospora spreads, the symptoms to watch for and what every family should know to stay safe.

How does cyclospora spread and how do people become infected?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite mainly spread when people consume food or water that is contaminated with human feces. It usually takes about a week to show symptoms from the time of consumption. It mainly comes from fresh produce that was irrigated or washed with contaminated water, usually at farms. If someone does get sick, they would have to look back at their diet a week or so to determine if it was something they ate that contained the parasite.

The CDC has linked the outbreak of cyclospora to shredded iceberg lettuce, but what other fruits or vegetables could be a potential cause/source?

Raw fruits, berries and vegetables have also been linked to cyclospora contamination. Raw produce and vegetables that grow closer to the ground and in soil have a higher chance of being contaminated. If the water used for irrigation was contaminated, then the produce or fruit runs a higher chance of being contaminated as well.

What can be done to prevent the spread of cyclosporiasis?

Here are a few simple things that can be done:

• Washing your fruits and vegetables doesn’t kill the parasite, but it does help with cleaning off the parasitic load that could potentially be found on the vegetable. Washing helps to rinse the majority of the parasites that could be stuck to the fruit or vegetable. Make sure to not just wash but also scrub your vegetables. This helps eliminate any additional contaminated soil etc.
• Be aware of any recent or active recalls of produce or vegetables in your area. If you have anything that has been recalled, throw it out.
• Cooking your food at 150 degrees Fahrenheit or higher kills the parasite.
• Basic hand hygiene and kitchen sanitation as you’re cooking reduces your overall risk of getting sick. Making sure you wash your hands as you’re handling the raw fruits and vegetables. Keeping the area you’re cooking in wiped down and clean is also recommended.

What are some symptoms people should not ignore and report to their doctor immediately if they think they have cyclosporiasis?

Frequent watery diarrhea is the most common. It comes in waves. You may feel fine for a few days and then it returns. Also associated with consistent diarrhea is severe fatigue, stomach cramps, bloating or loss of appetite. All those symptoms can be bundled together. You should seek medical care if you have signs of severe dehydration. If you’re extremely thirsty, experiencing dizziness or infrequent urination and your urine is very dark it’s a sign you’re severely dehydrated. If you experience a high fever or any abdominal pain as well, then it’s also a sign to be checked out by a doctor. Symptoms can last for 7-9 weeks without being treated. Another tip – if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, start thinking about your dietary history within the last week or so and if you may have eaten any possibly infected food. This will be helpful when speaking to a doctor to put cyclospora on their radar to test for it.

How is cyclosporiasis treated?

There are antibiotics that target the parasite. Typically, you’ll be given a 7–10 day course of antibiotics as the first line of defense. There have been cases when, unfortunately, even after it’s been treated it can come back. Make sure you stay hydrated afterward and replace any fluids and electrolytes that you may lose during the sickness.

Are there certain people more at risk for infection?

There are three main groups:

• Anyone who is immunocompromised. This means anyone with HIV, cancer patients on chemo, or those taking immunosuppressants. If untreated, they can experience severe diarrhea lasting for months. It will be harder to recover from this infection.
• Younger children and older adults are also more susceptible because they have a higher risk of rapid dehydration.
• Anyone who travels internationally to tropical or subtropical regions. These areas are less developed, and that could make it more difficult to get a diagnosis and be treated in a timely manner.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms or signs listed above, please seek medical attention. UF Health has several Urgent and Emergency Care Centers in the local Jacksonville area. Click here to find one closest to you.