What Is Cyclosporiasis and How Can I Prevent It?

If you have ever had a sudden, severe stomach bug after eating fresh fruits or vegetables, you may have had cyclosporiasis. 

This year, the US has experienced a record-breaking surge in cyclosporiasis, with nearly 20,000 reported lab-confirmed cases, closely tied to the widespread distribution of contaminated leafy greens. 

At Comprehensive Primary Care, our team of eight medical providers, led by Rekha Kesavan, MD, is dedicated to keeping our community healthy. With locations in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, and Snellville, Georgia, we provide comprehensive primary care and acute care to address sudden illnesses quickly.

Here’s a closer look at the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak, the symptoms it causes, and how you can protect yourself from this tiny parasite.  

Understanding the basics

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. This parasite typically spreads when people consume fresh produce or water contaminated with feces. 

In recent months, public health officials have tracked a massive rise in cases. Over the past summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 18,445 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases, compared with just 1,180 during the same period in 2025.

What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?

The primary symptoms of cyclosporiasis are:

• Watery, explosive diarrhea that can last for weeks if left untreated
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Severe fatigue
• Nausea
• A loss of appetite

Because these symptoms mimic other stomach bugs, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. If you have persistent digestive issues, our Comprehensive Primary Care team can help. We use advanced diagnostic tests, such as highly sensitive stool PCR tests, to identify the exact cause of your illness. 

If we confirm cyclosporiasis, we can prescribe targeted treatments such as a specific antibiotic combination (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) that quickly clears the infection. We’ll also provide detailed home-care instructions to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications such as dehydration.

How can I prevent cyclosporiasis at home?

You can’t always prevent cyclosporiasis, but you can take steps to significantly reduce your risk. 

These include:

• Cooking high-risk produce to an internal temperature of 158°F (70°C)
• Avoiding raw produce during active public health outbreaks can help prevent exposure 
• During an outbreak, buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-bagged mixes. 
• Clean lettuce heads thoroughly, discarding outer leaves, and wash the inner leaves individually 

Always rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cool, clean running tap water while gently rubbing their surfaces, 

Can you catch cyclosporiasis from another person?

You cannot catch cyclosporiasis directly from another person. The parasite is not infectious when first passed in human stool; it requires one to two weeks in warm, humid soil or water to mature before it can infect someone else. This means you do not have to worry about catching it from sharing a bathroom or caring for a sick family member.

If you are struggling with ongoing stomach issues, don't wait for them to clear on their own. Our experienced medical team is here to provide the personalized care and testing you need to feel your best. 

Please contact Comprehensive Primary Care today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Georgia.