Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope.
People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite.
Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting something – such as food or water – that was contaminated with feces (poop).
Cyclospora needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that Cyclospora is passed directly from one person to another.
In the United States, foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce.
People living or traveling in countries where cyclosporiasis is endemic may be at increased risk for infection.
Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes:
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.
If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse).
It’s common to feel very tired. If you think you’ve been infected with Cyclospora see your healthcare provider.
Your health care provider will ask you to submit stool specimens to see if you are infected.
You might be asked to submit more than one specimen from different days.
Identification of this parasite in stool requires special laboratory tests that are not routinely done.
Therefore, if indicated, your health care provider should specifically request testing for Cyclospora.
In addition, your health care provider might have your stool checked for other organisms that can cause similar symptoms.
In the US, since the mid-1990s, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce like raspberries.
In the US, since the mid-1990s, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce like mesclun lettuce.
In the US, since the mid-1990s, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce like snow peas.
In the US, since the mid-1990s, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce like basil.
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