Cyclosporiasis cases are rising in multiple U.S. states as investigators seek the source

What is cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which affects the small intestine and commonly causes watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms Aol,BBC.

How does it spread?

People usually get infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, previous outbreaks have often been associated with fresh produce NYT,U.S. News & World R…,El Tiempo.

Why is testing for Cyclospora challenging?

Cyclospora is not usually part of standard laboratory stool panels, so a clinician may need to specifically request testing. Detection can also require several stool samples taken on different days because the parasite may not appear in high enough amounts in a single sample Aol,Washington Post.