Cyclosporiasis Fact
Sheet
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of this Fact Sheet
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes diarrhea
Cyclospora infections (cyclosporiasis) in humans have
been reported since 1979 and the number of cases reported
each year has increased since the mid 1980s. Large outbreaks
of cyclosporiasis have been reported since 1996. It is
believed that most of these outbreaks were caused by Cyclospora
contaminated raspberries which were imported from another
country, but other contaminated foods are also thought
to have caused some outbreaks of cyclosporiasis.
Transmission can occur by eating food or drinking
water contaminated with feces that contain Cyclospora
Cyclospora needs time (days or weeks) to become infectious
after being shed in feces (stool). Because Cyclospora
takes so much time to become infectious, it is unlikely
that Cyclospora is passed directly from one person to
another. The primary source of the parasite is not yet
known, and it is unknown whether animals can be infected
and pass the infection to people.
Symptoms appear about 1 to 14 days (usually one
week) after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated
water
Symptoms include watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes
explosive, bowel movements. Other symptoms can include
extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, substantial weight
loss, increased gas and bloating, stomach cramps, nausea,
vomiting, and low-grade fever. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis
may come and go and, if untreated, illness can last for
a few days to a month or longer. Some infected persons
may not have symptoms.
Anybody can get cyclosporiasis
People of any age are at risk for infection. People living
in or traveling to developing countries may be at increased
risk, but infection can be acquired worldwide. In the
United States, most cases of Cyclospora infection are
detected in the spring and summer.
Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics
Patients with AIDS may need longer treatments with higher
doses of antibiotics. People with severe or long-lasting
diarrhea should call their doctor.
Laboratory tests are available to look for Cyclospora
in stool
Because many laboratories do not routinely check for
Cyclospora in stool samples, your doctor must specifically
request a Cyclospora test if cyclosporiasis is suspected.
The risk of cyclosporiasis can be reduced
Because the source of Cyclospora is not yet known, it is
not possible to completely remove all risk of getting cyclosporiasis.
Doctors, scientists, and public health specialists are still
working to better understand Cyclospora. In the meantime,
the following steps may help reduce the risk of getting
cyclosporiasis and other diarrheal illnesses:
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, streams,
springs, or any other untreated sources.
- Avoid touching human or animal feces.
- Wash hands after using the toilet, after changing
diapers, and before handling food or eating.
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