Cyclospora
A microscopic parasite spread through contaminated fresh produce and water.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic, single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Humans are its only known host. It spreads when food or water is contaminated with human feces — but it is not usually passed directly from person to person, because the parasite needs one to two weeks in the environment before it becomes infectious.
Outbreaks in the United States are strongly associated with fresh produce, particularly leafy greens and herbs. Cases climb sharply in the warmer months, and the CDC treats May 1 through August 31 as the annual cyclosporiasis season. Unlike many bacteria, Cyclospora is not killed by chlorine or the sanitizing rinses typically used on produce, so contaminated items can still reach consumers after washing.
Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea, often frequent
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Bloating, increased gas, and stomach cramps
- Nausea and fatigue
- Low-grade fever or vomiting (less common)
Onset: Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, though onset can range from 2 to 14 days or more. Left untreated, symptoms can come and go for anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.
Who is Most at Risk?
What Should You Do?
If you have a product recalled for Cyclospora, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. Washing will not reliably remove the parasite and chlorine-based rinses do not kill it. Cooking does — produce heated to at least 158°F (70°C) is no longer a risk.
If you have symptoms, stay well hydrated and contact your healthcare provider. Ask specifically about testing for Cyclospora: routine stool tests do not always screen for this parasite, so infections are easily missed. Cyclosporiasis does not clear up with typical food-poisoning care — it is treated with a specific course of antibiotics, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Sources
This guide is based on public health guidance from the following agencies.
Recent Cyclospora Recalls
The latest recalls related to Cyclospora.
Stay Informed
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