GNR Public Health is investigating an increase in cyclosporiasis cases in Gwinnett county.
About Cyclospora
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. People can get sick with cyclosporiasis by consuming foods or water that contains the parasite. In the U.S., outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce that have been contaminated. It is not known to be transmitted from person-to-person. However, people can help prevent illness by washing hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables, and washing all produce thoroughly before eating, cutting, or cooking.
Signs and Symptoms
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of cyclosporiasis. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms may also include vomiting, body aches, headache, and low-grade fever. In severe cases, Cyclospora infections can require hospitalization.
Testing
GNR is asking that healthcare providers consider Cyclospora as a potential cause of prolonged diarrheal illness, particularly in patients who report eating fresh produce like cilantro and parsley, or those with a history of recent travel to Cyclospora-endemic areas, such as tropical and subtropical regions. Note: Diagnosis can be difficult in part because patients who are symptomatic might not shed enough oocysts in their stool to be readily detectable by laboratory examinations. Therefore, patients may need to submit several specimens collected on different days.
Treatment
Most healthy people will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment although their illness may be prolonged. Per CDC, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) ((sold as Bactrim,* Septra,* or Cotrim*) is the suggested treatment for cyclosporiasis. Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times.
For additional information, visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/index.html.
Reporting
Please report all cases of cyclosporiasis to public health through your standard reporting systems. If you have any questions, please contact GNR Epidemiology at 770-339-4260, press “0” and ask to speak with the Epidemiologist on Call.
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