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Health Department confirms 4th case of cyclosporiasis in Hawaii
Honolulu Star-Advertiser • • health
Key Points:
- The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed a fourth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, involving a military service member who traveled internationally before falling ill, with unclear infection origin.
- The total confirmed cases include one non-resident visitor infected outside Hawaii and three residents who had traveled internationally, with no evidence of increased local risk.
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, especially imported fresh produce, and is not spread directly between people.
- Symptoms usually appear within two days to two weeks after exposure, primarily causing watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, and can persist or recur without treatment.
- Health officials recommend thorough handwashing, washing produce before consumption, and seeking medical care for persistent diarrhea, emphasizing that the illness is treatable with antibiotics.
