Cyclospora Outbreak in the US: Symptoms, Foods, and Prevention

Cyclospora infections, a food‑borne parasitic illness that causes prolonged diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating and fatigue, are now being reported at higher rates across the United States. Health officials attribute the surge to increased global travel, expanded distribution of fresh produce, and improved diagnostic testing that more readily identifies the organism in stool samples. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a national alert, urging clinicians to consider Cyclospora in patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, especially those who have recently eaten raw fruits or vegetables from international sources.

The parasite spreads through ingestion of contaminated food or water, with outbreaks often linked to leafy greens, herbs, and fresh fruit that have been washed with untreated water. Once inside the body, Cyclospora multiplies in the small intestine, leading to the characteristic symptoms that can last weeks if untreated. Diagnosis is confirmed by stool microscopy or polymerase chain reaction testing. Treatment typically involves a 7‑ to 10‑day course of trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole, which effectively clears the infection in most patients. Preventive measures include washing produce thoroughly, avoiding consumption of raw or unpeeled foods that may have been washed with untreated water, and ensuring that travelers use bottled or boiled water when abroad.

Public health agencies are urging the food‑production industry to strengthen water‑quality controls and to trace contamination sources more rapidly. Meanwhile, consumers are advised to practice good hand hygiene, wash produce under running water, and cook foods to safe temperatures. With heightened surveillance and better prevention practices, the CDC hopes to curb the rising trend of Cyclospora cases and reduce the burden of this increasingly common gastrointestinal illness.