Health officials explain that Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, and the illness it causes, cyclosporiasis, have been around for years, even though recent outbreaks have brought new attention online.
“This is something we see every year, and some years are worse than others,” said Dr. Meghan Brett, an infectious diseases physician and epidemiologist at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed three cases of the parasite in the state this year, and no one has been hospitalized. Later reports said the number of cases rose to nine. Outbreaks in other states have also brought more attention to Cyclospora, but Brett said there is no reason to panic.
“There is treatment,” she said, adding that prevention strategies are effective.
How Cyclospora Spreads
Cyclosporiasis usually happens from late spring to late summer. The main symptom is watery diarrhea, which can last for days or come back over several weeks. Brett said the parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces.
Bagged salads, herbs, and berries, which are hard to clean well, have been linked to past Cyclospora outbreaks. Sometimes, contaminated strawberries or lettuce shipped across the country cause these outbreaks. Other times, the problem is more local, according to Brett.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking into the current outbreak. Officials say they have not found a single source connecting cases in different states, but they are still working to find any clusters.
Brett said one challenge is the delayed onset of symptoms. Illness can appear one to two weeks after exposure, complicating efforts to identify contaminated food. Person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
Treatment and Prevention
Most people can manage Cyclospora infections at home by drinking fluids and resting. “If they have a day or two of diarrhea and they’re able to remain hydrated, they don’t need to seek care,” Brett said. “But if they have weak immune systems or their symptoms persist, then that’s the time to get more testing.”
People with weak immune systems can have serious problems like dehydration, weight loss, and damage to their intestines. Brett advised anyone with symptoms that last a long time to see a doctor. The condition requires laboratory testing, and treatment usually involves the antibiotic Bactrim. In some instances, symptoms may resolve without medication. Brett emphasized the importance of hydration, dietary fiber, and maintaining electrolyte balance for recovery.
“It’s really important that there’s support for public health in order to be able to figure out what’s leading to these infections,” she said.
