Cyclospora Outbreak: Symptoms to Watch For and When to See a Doctor

Most bouts of diarrhea resolve within a few days. But if your symptoms linger for weeks or keep coming back, they could be a sign of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness linked to contaminated fresh produce.

Health officials are investigating a multistate Cyclospora outbreak, prompting renewed attention to food safety and the symptoms people shouldn't ignore.

"Cyclospora, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, is found in soil and water, so produce can become contaminated while it's being grown or irrigated," says Ulysses Wu, MD, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare. "Historically, outbreaks have been associated with foods like lettuce, raspberries, basil and cilantro, but it can vary."

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually begin about a week after eating contaminated food, although they can appear sooner or later. The hallmark symptom is frequent watery diarrhea that may last for weeks without treatment.

Other symptoms can include:

• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

"Some people may not have symptoms at all, while others can have gastrointestinal symptoms that last for days or weeks," says Dr. Wu. "For someone who is immunocompromised, the illness can sometimes last even longer."

When should you see a doctor?

Many stomach illnesses improve on their own, but persistent diarrhea shouldn't be ignored.

Dr. Wu recommends contacting your healthcare provider if:

• Diarrhea lasts more than a few days or keeps returning.
• You're unable to drink enough fluids.
• You develop signs of dehydration, including dizziness, a dry mouth, very dark urine or urinating less often.

Because several foodborne illnesses cause similar symptoms, testing may be needed to determine whether Cyclospora or another infection is responsible.

How can you reduce your risk?

There's no recommendation to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, but a few simple precautions can help lower your risk:

• Wash produce thoroughly under running water before eating or preparing it.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons, potatoes and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Peel produce with thick skins when appropriate.
• Cook vegetables when possible, since heat helps reduce contamination.
• Wash your hands, knives, cutting boards and countertops after handling fresh produce.
• Stay informed about food recalls and public health alerts.

"By and large, most produce is not going to have this," says Dr. Wu. "Once officials identify the source, they can remove the affected products from the market."

While fresh produce remains an important part of a healthy diet, knowing the warning signs of Cyclospora—and seeking care when symptoms persist—can help prevent a minor illness from becoming a prolonged one.

Concerned about your symptoms? Hartford HealthCare's Urgent Care locations offer convenient, same-day evaluation for illnesses like persistent diarrhea and dehydration.