CDC Advises: Be Vigilant for Cyclospora cayetanensis Infection

Cases of Cyclospora cayetanensis infections have more than doubled in 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases are not geographically centered, either: 27 states have confirmed the diagnosis, which is marked by watery diarrhea, anorexia, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, flatulence, abdominal cramping, and myalgia. Cyclospora infection can spread via food or water contaminated with the parasite; however, it is not transmitted directly from one person to another. A total of 206 cases of Cyclospora infections have been reported to the CDC so far this year, compared with just 88 at this point last year. Eighteen patients have been hospitalized, but there have been no fatalities. Urgent care clinicians are advised to consider cyclosporiasis in any patient with prolonged or remitting‒relapsing diarrhea. If indicated, they should test or refer for testing for Cyclospora, with positive results reported to local health departments.