# Cases of Cyclosporiasis Are Surging. Here's What You Need to Know
Cyclosporiasis cases are climbing across the United States, prompting health officials and gastroenterologists to sound the alarm about this parasitic infection. The disease, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, triggers severe gastrointestinal symptoms including explosive diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue that can last weeks without treatment.
The parasite spreads through contaminated water and produce, particularly leafy greens and berries imported from regions with poor sanitation. Unlike bacterial foodborne illnesses, cyclosporiasis requires specific antibiotics to eliminate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks seasonal outbreaks, which typically peak during summer months when fresh produce consumption rises.
Symptoms emerge 7 to 10 days after exposure and can escalate rapidly. Infected individuals experience watery diarrhea, sometimes up to 10 times daily, alongside abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever. Untreated infections can persist for weeks, draining energy and causing dehydration. People with compromised immune systems face more severe complications.
Prevention centers on food safety practices. Wash all produce thoroughly under running water, even items labeled pre-washed. When dining out, request to know produce origins. Travelers to endemic regions should avoid drinking tap water and eating unpeeled fruits and vegetables prepared with local water.
If symptoms develop, seek medical care for proper diagnosis. Doctors typically prescribe trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), an antibiotic combination that targets the parasite directly. Ciprofloxacin serves as an alternative for those with sulfa allergies.
The surge in cases reflects both increased awareness and genuine upticks in infections tied to global food