Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis Latest News

According to the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1.  

About Cyclosporiasis

• It is a type of food poisoning caused by the microscopic parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis. 
• Major Sources: Cyclosporiasis outbreaks include contaminated leafy greens, lettuce, spinach, basil, cilantro, parsley, raspberries and snow peas.
• Transmission: It spreads through the faeco-oral route, which means that food or water contaminated by faeces containing the parasite causes the illness.
• It does not spread from person to person.
• Symptoms
  • The main symptom is frequent, explosive, watery diarrhoea.
  • Other symptoms include bloating, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, fatigue and even weight loss.
• Risk: Anyone can contract the infection. In children, the elderly and those with weak immune symptoms, the infection may be severe. 
• Treatment: It is easily treatable with a seven- to 10-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which disrupts the microbe’s ability to produce the folic acid needed to replicate itself. 
  • Hydration is also recommended.

Source: TH

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