Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite called cyclospora. This parasite can only be seen with a microscope. People get sick when they eat or drink food or water that is contaminated with this parasite. NC is among dozens of U.S. states experiencing an increase of cyclosporiasis cases this summer.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis
People begin to experience symptoms of cyclosporiasis about one week after consuming food or drinking water containing Cyclospora. Common symptoms include the following:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Prevention Tips
People can take the following food and vegetable handling recommendations to reduce the risk of foodborne illness related to fresh produce:
Wash
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
Prepare
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- It is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Cooking can kill the parasite. Since washing alone cannot guarantee the parasite's removal, cook produce to a temperature of at least 158 °F (70°C).
Store
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).
For more information: www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2026/07/14/cyclosporiasis-north-carolina-what-it-and-how-stay-safe