Reports of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, are drawing attention in Ohio and other states as health officials remind residents to take routine food safety precautions and seek care when symptoms do not quickly improve.
The illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that can contaminate food or water. It is most often associated in the United States with fresh produce, including items that are eaten raw. Cases have been reported in multiple states, with recent news reports highlighting activity in Ohio, Louisiana and Michigan.
Cyclosporiasis can cause watery diarrhea that may be severe and last for days or weeks. Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss. Some people also report low-grade fever, vomiting, body aches or symptoms that appear to improve before returning.
What residents should know
Unlike some common stomach viruses, Cyclospora infections do not typically spread directly from one person to another. The parasite must spend time in the environment before it can infect someone, which is why contaminated food or water is usually the suspected source.
Health departments investigate cases by interviewing patients about what they ate and where they traveled before becoming sick. Because symptoms can begin about a week after exposure, identifying a common source can be difficult. Investigators often look for clusters tied to produce, restaurants, grocery stores or events.
Public health agencies generally advise people to rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, scrub firm produce, keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, refrigerate cut produce and wash hands, utensils and cutting boards. Washing can reduce risk, though it may not remove every parasite from contaminated food.
People who have prolonged diarrhea, signs of dehydration or symptoms that go away and return should contact a health care professional. Diagnosis usually requires a stool test, and the infection can be treated with prescription medication. Over-the-counter remedies may not address the underlying cause.
Why cases can rise in summer
Cyclosporiasis is reported more often during warmer months, when fresh produce consumption increases and more imported and domestic produce moves through supply chains. Seasonal patterns do not mean all cases are connected, and officials may determine that infections in different states have separate sources.
Ohio residents looking for the latest county-level information should check updates from local or state health authorities, which can change as new cases are confirmed. Officials may release additional details if an investigation identifies a specific product, business or exposure that poses an ongoing risk.
For most people, the key message is to take symptoms seriously if diarrhea is persistent or unusually severe. Prompt testing can help patients get appropriate treatment and help health departments detect whether more cases are linked.
Key questions
- What are the main symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
- The most common symptom is watery diarrhea that can last for days or weeks. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.
- How can people reduce the risk of Cyclospora infection?
- People can reduce risk by washing hands, rinsing fresh produce, scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables, keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, and refrigerating cut produce promptly.
