U.S. Cyclospora Epidemic Spreads To 15 States, Hits Florida

Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak grows to 15 states of the U.S notified by the U.S Center for Disease Control after confirming two laboratory cases of Iowa patients who had become ill in June. It is noticed that two patients do not have any international travel history in 14 days before the onset of illness.

CDC has already started working with public health officials in multiple states and the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to find the cause of cyclosporiasis. Till date the CDC has been informed of 321 cases of cyclosporiasis in different states including Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Florida, New York City, Wisconsin, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinoi, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey and Ohio.


The incident of cyclosporiasis has started in mid-June and taken a shape of epidemic in early July with at least 18 people were reportedly seriously hospitalized in three states. It is though not cleared that all states are the part of same outbreak.

What is Cyclospora cayetanesis?

Cyclospora is a one cell parasite and the only species of this organism found in humans. It causes illness called cyclospora infection or cyclosporiasis, first discovered in 1977.

How get Cyclospora infected?

Cyclospora is spread through water or food contaminated with infected stool.  It takes time around several weeks after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious. It is unlikely a contagious disease.

What are the symptoms of Cyclospora infection?

•    Watery diarrhea
•    Bloating
•    Increased gas
•    Stomach cramps
•    Loss of appetite
•    Low fever
•    Muscle ache
•    Fatigue

What are the long-term risks of Cyclospora illness?

Most chronic complications in long-term Cyclosporasis include Guillain-Barre syndrome, reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome, biliary disease and acalculous cholecystitis.

How can Cyclosporasis be prevented?

Avoid water or food during travel. Avoid fresh ready-to-eat product and improve sanitary conditions.