‘This Isn’t Subtle’

Key Points:

• Over 11,500 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in 41 U.S. states since May 1, with Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia experiencing a major outbreak linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico sold at Taco Bell.
• The primary symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent, watery diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, bloating, and extreme fatigue, while vomiting and fever are uncommon; symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
• Diagnosis requires specialized stool testing not included in routine GI panels, with results taking 2 to 4 days; the parasite is not contagious person-to-person as it requires time outside the body to become infectious.
• Treatment involves a 7 to 10-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, though healthy individuals often recover with supportive care such as hydration and rest; severe cases, especially in immunocompromised people, may require hospitalization.
• Health officials advise washing produce thoroughly, staying informed about recalls, and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.