Cyclospora Symptoms: What to Know and When to Seek Care
Persistent diarrhea and stomach discomfort can have several possible causes. One potential cause is Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water. Cyclospora causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Although the illness is not usually life-threatening, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms that last for several weeks without treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Cyclospora?
Cyclospora symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure. However, symptoms may appear as soon as two days after exposure or take two weeks or longer to develop. Watery and frequent diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other Cyclospora symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
Less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headaches and a low-grade fever. Symptoms may last for a few days, a month or longer without treatment. They may also improve and then return. Fatigue can continue after the digestive symptoms have stopped.
Why Is Cyclospora in the News?
In July 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported a multistate Cyclospora outbreak connected to recalled iceberg lettuce. Food recalls and outbreak details can change as investigations continue. Check current CDC and FDA food safety alerts before eating a product that may be affected by a recall.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that is too small to see without a microscope. People can become infected after eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Cyclospora does not usually spread directly from one person to another. The parasite typically needs at least one to two weeks outside the body before it can infect another person.
How Is Cyclospora Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider may order a stool test to diagnose cyclosporiasis. However, routine stool testing does not always include Cyclospora. Specific laboratory testing may be needed. In some cases, a provider may request more than one stool sample because the parasite can be difficult to detect. Tell your provider about recent travel, foods you ate before becoming sick and how long your symptoms have lasted. This information can help guide the evaluation.
How Is Cyclosporiasis Treated?
The recommended treatment for cyclosporiasis is a prescription antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as TMP-SMX. A healthcare provider can determine whether this medication is appropriate for you. Be sure to mention medication allergies, pregnancy and other health conditions during your visit. Some people with healthy immune systems recover without medication. However, the illness may last longer without treatment. Drinking fluids is also important because frequent diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
How Can You Help Prevent Cyclospora?
Washing produce cannot guarantee that every Cyclospora parasite will be removed. However, safe food-handling habits can help reduce your risk:
- Wash your hands before and after preparing produce.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Wash produces even when the package says it is prewashed.
- Scrub firm produces with a clean produce brush.
- Refrigerate cut or peeled produce within two hours.
- Avoid eating food included in an active recall.
- Clean surfaces and utensils that touched recalled food.
Cooking produce to at least 158°F can kill the parasite.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Contact a healthcare provider if you have watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days. You should also seek care if your symptoms improve and then return.
Prompt medical attention may be needed if you cannot keep fluids down or notice signs of dehydration. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may have a greater risk of severe illness or dehydration.
A CareSpot provider can evaluate your symptoms and help determine whether additional testing or treatment may be appropriate. Walk in at a nearby CareSpot location or save your spot online before you arrive. Find a CareSpot location near you today.