Diarrhea outbreak: What is cyclosporiasis, and why is it suddenly everywhere?

Key Points:

• A significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasite-borne illness causing severe diarrhea, is rapidly spreading across the United States, with Michigan reporting 3,762 cases as of July 15, far exceeding its usual annual count of about 50 cases.
• Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which contaminates fresh produce like bagged salads, basil, cilantro, peas, and berries; it does not spread person-to-person but can cause symptoms lasting up to a month without treatment.
• Tracing the source of outbreaks is challenging due to the parasite’s low contamination levels, delayed symptom onset (2 days to 2 weeks), and the complex, globalized food supply chain that mixes produce from various regions.
• Public health authorities recommend thoroughly washing all fruits, vegetables, and herbs under running water, cooking produce when possible, and considering locally sourced foods to reduce infection risk during the ongoing outbreak.
• Individuals experiencing severe diarrhea, dehydration symptoms, or inability to keep fluids down should seek immediate medical attention, and experts continue investigating the outbreak’s source while emphasizing the importance of food hygiene.