DHHS → MeCDC → Disease Surveillance → Epidemiology → Diseases → Cyclosporiasis
EPI Information
- A - Z Index of Epidemiology Diseases
- Contact Us
- Disease Reporting
- Syndromic - drug overdose data
- Orderable Materials
- Maine Tracking Network: Tickborne Diseases
- Publications
- Request for Data
- Vectorborne School Curricula
- Zoonotic Disease Train the Trainer
- School Health
- Videos
Information for
Cyclosporiasis
About Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. People living or traveling in countries where cyclosporiasis is endemic may be at increased risk for infection.
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Cyclosporiasis infects the small intestine and usually causes diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and bloating. Other common symptoms include:
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Fatigue
Treatment for cyclosporiasis is available. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may go away and then return one or more times. It is common to feel very tired.
Cyclosporiasis infection is diagnosed by examining stool specimens. Diagnosis can be difficult because even patients who are symptomatic might not shed enough of the parasite in their stool to be detectable by lab examinations. Identification of the parasite requires special tests that are not usually done when stool is tested for parasites. Therefore, if indicated, healthcare providers should specifically request testing for cyclosporiasis.
Risk Factors
People become infected with cyclosporiasis when they consume food or water contaminated with feces. An infected person in turn sheds the parasite in their feces. The parasite then needs at least 1-2 weeks in favorable conditions to become infective. Because of this, person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
Cyclosporiasis occurs in many countries, but is most common in tropical regions. In areas where cyclosporiasis has been studied, the risk of infection is seasonal. In the United States, foodborne outbreaks have been linked to various imported fresh produce. U.S. cases of infection have also occurred in people who traveled to cyclosporiasis-endemic areas.
Prevention and Control
Avoiding food or water that may have been contaminated with feces is the best way to prevent cyclosporiasis. Travelers to cyclosporiasis-endemic areas should be aware that treatment of water or food by routine chemical disinfection is unlikely to kill the parasite. Follow safe fruit and vegetable handling recommendations:
