You have probably heard about the Cyclospora outbreak, a stomach illness affecting a number of people in New York and across the country. Cyclospora is a parasite that can infect food and water, and the disease it causes is called cyclosporiasis. While the risk is considered low, there are a number of ways to protect yourself.
In this Q&A, Daniel Caplivski, MD, an infectious disease doctor with Mount Sinai, explains what to know about Cyclospora infection and how to prevent it.
Daniel Caplivski, MD
What are the symptoms?
Many people do not experience symptoms. In rare cases, Cyclospora can cause severe diarrhea. Cyclospora infection is usually not life threatening.
What is the risk that I might contract Cyclospora infection?
Overall risk remains low for the general population. We often see food-borne infections in clusters of the population.
Who is most at risk?
People with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and people with severe autoimmune diseases, are at risk for more severe diarrhea.
How do you know if you have Cyclospora?
We have special testing on stool specimens, including molecular testing and acid fast staining. This helps us identify parasites that are difficult to grow in culture systems. If you have severe diarrhea and vomiting that gets better then returns more than once, you should see a doctor and get checked.
How can I avoid it?
Your can avoid Cyclospora infection by:
- Cooking your vegetables (this kills the parasite)
- Thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables (helps prevent spread)
- Avoiding prewashed packaged lettuce unless you wash it again yourself
- Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly before handling raw fruits and vegetables
What are the treatments?
We have antibiotics that help treat patients with severe cases, but most people recover with supportive care, such as drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest. And your doctor may suggest an anti-diarrheal medicine.
What is causing the current outbreak?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the source of the current outbreak. Prior outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, prewashed lettuce, basil, and snow peas.