By now, most people in the United States have either heard or seen the word “cyclosporiasis,” but what exactly is it?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The CDC said it is currently tracking thousands of cases across 34 states, with the highest concentration of cases reported in the Midwest and surrounding states, including Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.
While cases are surging nationally, Pennsylvania has maintained relatively low numbers, according to the state Department of Health. The department tracks cases statewide rather than by individual municipalities and has reported 28 total cases this year. Bucks County health officials have not identified any localized clusters in Lower Bucks County.
Dr. Cynthia Louise Sears, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins Medicine, noted in a report on the organization’s website that cyclosporiasis spreads through contaminated raw foods or water—not person-to-person contact.
According to the Johns Hopkins guidance, the primary warning sign is watery diarrhea, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal cramping, fatigue and dehydration. While health officials have not identified the source of the current outbreak, previous cases were tied to fresh produce like bagged salads, basil, cilantro, raspberries and green onions.
Sears added that the illness can be treated effectively with targeted antibiotics, alongside antidiarrheal medications and plenty of fluids.
To help lower your risk, health organizations like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic advise thoroughly washing or peeling fresh fruits and vegetables, keeping raw produce refrigerated, and scrubbing firm produce before eating.
