When you think of food poisoning, you're likely envisioning a stomach ache that arises suddenly and then disappears, hopefully, as quickly. However, there are several foodborne illnesses that linger much longer.
Cyclospora is one such illness.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Although not as widely recognized as Salmonella or E. coli, Cyclospora infections tend to spike at certain times of the year and have often been linked to outbreaks associated with fresh produce.
Let’s review what you need to know about Cyclospora, including signs and symptoms, and when it might be wise to see a healthcare professional.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that can cause illness after consumption of contaminated food or water.
Within the United States, Cyclospora outbreaks have been associated with fresh produce, encompassing leafy greens, herbs, berries, and other fruits and vegetables. Unlike many common stomach bugs, Cyclospora is unlikely to spread directly from one person to another because the parasite needs time outside the body to become infectious.
What are the Symptoms of Cyclospora?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the hallmark symptom is watery diarrhea, which can be frequent and sometimes severe.
Other symptoms may include:
- Stomach cramping or abdominal pain
- Bloating and excess gas
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
- Low-grade fever
One thing that can make Cyclospora particularly frustrating is how long symptoms can last. Without treatment, symptoms may continue for several weeks. Symptoms can also improve and then return.
How Quickly Do Symptoms Start?
Illness from Cyclospora doesn't begin the moment the food is eaten.
Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure, although this can vary.
This delay in symptom onset can make the source of the illness hard to pinpoint. If you're experiencing chronic diarrhea, look back at what you've consumed over the past two weeks, especially raw or fresh produce.
Is Cyclospora the Same as a Stomach Virus?
No. While symptoms may feel similar, Cyclospora is caused by a parasite, not a virus.
This distinction is important because chronic diarrhea doesn't always warrant passively waiting it out. Cyclosporiasis can be diagnosed with stool testing and treated with prescription medication.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?
It's normal to have an occasional stomach ache, but symptoms that persist for several days, recur, or are accompanied by additional warning signs should be further evaluated.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Diarrhea lasting more than several days
- Recurring or severe watery diarrhea
- Symptoms that improve then return
- Intense abdominal cramping
- Inability to keep down liquids
- Dehydration symptoms: dizziness, dry mouth, reduced urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recent exposure to food known to be linked to a Cyclospora outbreak
In addition to the above, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for secondary complications from prolonged illness or dehydration.
How is Cyclospora Diagnosed and Treated?
Several gastrointestinal illnesses present with similar symptoms; therefore, your provider may order stool testing to confirm the source of the illness. Your provider may need to order Cyclospora testing specifically, depending on the laboratory and test used.
If it is Cyclospora, prescription medication is available to treat it. Your provider will determine the appropriate treatment based on your medical history and symptoms.
Proper hydration is essential given the chronic diarrhea; drink plenty of water and electrolytes.
Can You Prevent Cyclospora?
Simple food-safe practices can help reduce your risk: wash your hands thoroughly before food preparation/consumption, rinse produce thoroughly under cold running water, ensure raw meat and produce are not stored together, and clean surfaces regularly. The FDA provides more thorough guidance on safely selecting and preparing fresh produce. However, washing does not always completely eliminate Cyclospora from fruits and vegetables, so staying current on food recall notices and public advisories during an outbreak is critical.
Persistent Stomach Symptoms? Don't Ignore Them!
Most of us expect stomach aches and diarrhea to resolve on their own, but prolonged discomfort, recurring episodes, dehydration, and excessive fatigue could indicate something more serious.
An urgent care provider can assess your symptoms and decide whether testing and treatment are appropriate, helping you find relief sooner. If you have signs of severe dehydration, collapse, confusion, extreme abdominal pain, or blood in your stool, you should seek immediate emergency medical care.