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Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis is a stomach and intestinal infection caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. People usually get infected by eating fresh produce or drinking water that has been contaminated with the parasite. Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, and loss of appetite, and they can last for several days or even weeks if left untreated. The good news is that cyclosporiasis is treatable, and most people recover fully with the right care. Learning how the infection spreads, recognizing the symptoms early, and taking simple steps to prevent exposure can help keep you and your family healthy.

For more information, please visit the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. 

Patient Education

Cause and Transmission

  • Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause diarrhea and is usually spread through contaminated food or water, often linked to fresh produce.
  • It is not known to spread from person to person.

Prevention Tips

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cooking and eating.
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
  • Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
  • Remove any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
  • Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours)

Symptoms

Symptoms occur 2–14 days after exposure (average one week) and may include:

  • Frequent watery diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite and weight
  • Abdominal cramps and bloating
  • Nausea (vomiting is less common)
  • Low-grade fever

Home Care Advice

With cyclosporiasis it is not recommended to take antidiarrheals like lomotil as it can trop the toxins and parasite in the intestine making the symptoms worse and last longer.

  • Take clear liquid diet first 12 to 24 hours (sips of water, flat soda, clear broth, gelatin [not red], flavored ice).
  • During the next 12 hours, progress to eating soup (avoiding cream soups), dry toast, soda crackers, white rice, pretzels, bananas, applesauce, and potatoes.
  • Progress to a regular diet after soft-formed stools occur.
  • Avoid dairy products, citrus juices, raw fruits and vegetables, and fried or spicy foods for 2 to 5 days after diarrhea subsides.
  • Acetaminophen can be given for fever. Avoid aspirin-like products if age <20 years. Avoid acetaminophen if liver disease is present. Avoid ibuprofen if kidney disease or stomach problems exist or in the case of pregnancy. Follow the directions on the label.

When to call your primary care provider

  • No improvement or diarrhea worsens after 48 hours of home care measures
  • Yellow, frothy, bloody, or green stool occurs more than one time
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Fever, weakness, or lethargy
  • Persistent vomiting

When to go to the emergency room 

  • Severe abdominal pain, swelling, and fever