Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite (Cyclospora cayetanensis) that can cause an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. Children and adults can become infected after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Where did people get sick?
At the time of writing, 5 states have been affected: Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.
CDC data show there have been more than 1,644 cases, 94 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually begin about 1 week after exposure, although they can start anywhere from 2 days to more than 2 weeks later.
Common symptoms include:
· Watery diarrhea (sometimes frequent or “explosive”)
· Stomach cramps
· Bloating and gas
· Nausea
· Loss of appetite
· Fatigue
· Weight loss
· Occasionally vomiting or a low-grade fever
Some children may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
How do children get Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is usually spread through:
· Contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables
· Contaminated drinking water
· Foods washed or irrigated with contaminated water
Unlike many stomach viruses, this parasite is very unlikely to spread person-to-person because it needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious.
What foods are considered high risk?
Cyclospora is most often linked to fresh produce that is eaten raw. Because the parasite is microscopic, you cannot see, smell, or taste it.
Foods associated with previous U.S. outbreaks include:
- Fresh cilantro
- Basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Iceberg lettuce and mixed salad greens
- Other leafy greens and fresh herbs.
When should parents call the pediatrician?
Contact your child’s healthcare provider if your child has:
· Diarrhea lasting more than a few days
· Signs of dehydration
· Blood in the stool
· Severe abdominal pain
· Persistent vomiting
· Unexplained weight loss
· Recent exposure to a known outbreak or contaminated food source
Signs of dehydration in children
Watch for:
· Dry mouth or lips
· Few or no tears when crying
· Decreased urination
· Excessive sleepiness
· Dizziness
· Sunken eyes
How is Cyclospora diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires a stool test. Parents should know that routine stool tests may not always detect Cyclospora, so healthcare providers often need to request testing for this parasite specifically. Sometimes multiple stool samples are needed.
How is it treated?
The recommended treatment is an antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly known as Bactrim or Septra.
In addition, children should:
· Drink plenty of fluids
· Use oral rehydration solutions when appropriate
· Continue eating as tolerated
· Follow their pediatrician’s recommendations regarding activity and diet
How can parents help prevent infection?
· Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and preparing food.
· Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before serving.
· Refrigerate cut produce promptly.
· Drink safe, clean water.
· Follow food safety recommendations during outbreaks.
How long does recovery take?
Most healthy children begin to improve once they receive appropriate treatment, but recovery is not always immediate.
- Symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer if untreated.
- Some children experience a relapsing pattern in which diarrhea improves and then returns days or weeks later.
- With antibiotic treatment (TMP-SMX), symptoms typically resolve more quickly, although fatigue and appetite changes may linger for a short period after diarrhea stops.
Are the long-term side effects?
The good news is that most children recover completely without permanent damage.
Children with weakened immune systems may experience more severe or prolonged illness.
Comment below to share your experiences as a parent or caregiver with managing diarrheal illness in kids. What have you done to prevent your family from getting this parasite?
Stay safe, everyone!
https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/cyclosporiasis-outbreak
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17957-cyclosporiasis
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