What is cyclosporiasis, the ‘explosive diarrhea' parasite infection tied to produce?
More than a thousand Americans have fallen ill with a condition that can cause “explosive” diarrhea. The culprit, the cyclospora parasite, triggers an unpleasant gastrointestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis.
Some states have been more impacted by the parasite than others. As of Thursday, Michigan alone has confirmed nearly 1,000 cases so far, up from the average 50 cases it sees per year. New York on Wednesday confirmed 394 cases, 273 of which were in New York City alone.
Here’s what to know about the bug and the best ways to protect yourself from days, or even months, of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
The parasite’s nickname comes from its main symptoms, which include watery diarrhea and sudden, frequent — sometimes explosive — bowel movements, according to the CDC.
Other common symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, loss of appetite and flu-like symptoms like nausea and fatigue.
The symptoms typically begin one week after consuming the parasite. However, some infected individuals may not experience any symptoms at all.
How long does cyclosporiasis last?
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, most people start to feel better within one to two weeks.
If left untreated, the illness may last from a few days to over a month, the CDC says. Symptoms often follow a relapsing cycle where they appear to improve, then return.
How is cyclosporiasis transmitted?
The parasite is spread when people consume food or water contaminated with feces, most commonly fresh produce like leafy greens, berries and herbs that were grown in or washed with contaminated water.
Because the parasite can latch into the crevices of rough-surfaced produce, it can be difficult to clean off completely. To lower your risk of contracting cyclosporiasis, you should thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables, wash your hands before and after food preparation and avoid drinking untreated water.
The illness is highly unlikely to spread directly from person to person, the CDC says, since the parasite must spend one to two weeks in the environment to mature before it becomes infectious.
What causes cyclosporiasis?
The illness is caused by cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that attacks the small intestine.
When ingested through contaminated food or water, the parasite burrows into the intestinal walls to reproduce, destroying cells and triggering severe gastrointestinal distress.
How is cyclosporiasis treated?
Healthcare providers typically clear the cyclospora parasite using a combination of antibiotics. These include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which is often sold under brand names like Bactrim and Septra.
While cyclosporiasis can go away on its own for otherwise healthy people, it can take days to over a month to recover. It is common for symptoms to temporarily stop and then return, resulting in a prolonged illness.
The CDC recommends treatment and medical monitoring for immunocompromised individuals infected by the parasite, as symptoms can be severe and ongoing.
For those suffering from diarrhea, it’s important to rest and drink plenty of fluids, the CDC says.
Health agencies are actively investigating the exact sources of the illnesses, as there is currently no evidence of a single, nationwide outbreak linking all cases.
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