Health officials say the microscopic parasite Cyclospora and the intestinal illness it causes, cyclosporiasis, are not new, even as reports of outbreaks have drawn fresh 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 has confirmed three cases of the parasite in the state this year, with no hospitalizations reported. Subsequent reports said the cases climbed to nine. Outbreaks in several other states have raised awareness about the parasite, but Brett emphasized that there is no need for panic.
“There is treatment,” she said, adding that prevention strategies are effective.
How Cyclospora Spreads
Cyclosporiasis typically occurs from late spring to late summer. Its main symptom is watery diarrhea, which may last for days or recur over several weeks. The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces, according to Brett.
Bagged salads, herbs and berries — foods that are difficult to clean thoroughly — have been associated with past Cyclospora outbreaks. Contaminated strawberries or lettuce distributed across the United States sometimes trigger these outbreaks. Other times, the contamination may be more localized, as Brett noted.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the current outbreak. Officials said there is no evidence of a single source linking cases across states, but efforts to identify clusters are ongoing.
One challenge noted by Brett 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
People can often manage Cyclospora infections at home with fluids and rest. “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.”
Individuals with weakened immune systems may experience severe complications, such as dehydration, weight loss, and damage to the intestines. Brett recommended that those with prolonged symptoms seek medical attention.
Diagnosing 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.
