Thousands of people across the United States have contracted a parasitic infection known as cyclosporiasis this summer, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and numerous hospitalizations. As of Monday, 4,173 cases have been reported nationwide, resulting in 308 hospital admissions. The outbreak has affected residents in at least 41 states.
Individuals infected with the parasite have described experiencing debilitating symptoms, including nausea, severe cramps, and persistent, watery diarrhea. Some report feeling weak and unwell for weeks on end. One user on a Reddit forum described the illness as "literally just pure water coming out of you," adding, "You feel super weak."
For some, the illness has been prolonged, lasting over a month. These individuals have reported ongoing cramps, intense gas, and a general sense of unease. One user noted that their husband experienced diarrhea intermittently for more than 10 days, accompanied by bloating and weight loss, with bouts described as "very watery."
Compounding the distress are the challenges in diagnosing cyclosporiasis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that cases are expected to rise, partly because the parasite can incubate for weeks before symptoms appear, and standard stool tests often fail to detect it. A specific test is required for diagnosis.
Some patients have faced significant medical expenses, with one individual reporting an $850 copay for an emergency room visit. This person described experiencing the "worst stomach cramps I had ever experienced in my life, [I was] vomiting even water, and had lost 10 pounds." The illness recurred for them multiple times, leading to a total weight loss of 20 pounds.
Difficulty in obtaining timely and accurate diagnoses has led to underreporting, as some individuals hesitate to pursue costly testing. One person described experiencing "explosive diarrhea, fatigue, lots of gas, cramping before needing to go and some faint lingering aches," but had not been officially diagnosed due to cost concerns.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include sweating and nausea preceding the onset of diarrhea. Medical professionals recommend seeking a doctor's evaluation and requesting the specific stool test for diagnosis. Due to the parasite's life cycle, multiple stool samples taken over several days may be necessary.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as Bactrim, along with medication to manage diarrhea and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for a month or longer, and there is a risk of serious complications, including severe dehydration that could lead to organ failure.
This outbreak follows a recall of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which supplies major retailers and food service companies. Parsley and cilantro have also been implicated as potential sources of infection. Health authorities advise thorough washing of produce, especially leafy greens, and cooking vegetables when possible to reduce risk.