A parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea, known as cyclosporiasis, has affected tens of thousands in the United States and has now been confirmed in the United Kingdom and Europe. The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by a farm in Mexico.
In the U.S., more than 22,000 people across 45 states have fallen ill with the parasite since summer. Two deaths have been reported, and hundreds have been hospitalized. Health officials in the UK have confirmed at least 67 Britons have become ill with the infection since May, prompting warnings for travelers to North, Central, and South America.
Cyclospora is a microscopic, single-cell parasite that infects the small intestine. Symptoms typically include prolonged, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and a feeling of bloating, which can persist for weeks and sometimes up to a month. Some individuals have reported needing to use the toilet as many as 20 times a day.
Unlike many common infections, cyclosporiasis cannot be transmitted between people. Infection occurs exclusively through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Outbreaks are often associated with contaminated produce, particularly raw fruits and vegetables that are not typically cooked before consumption. This is because the parasite's eggs can adhere to produce, especially items with numerous crevices like salad leaves, raspberries, and blackberries, which are difficult to clean thoroughly.
While the current U.S. outbreak has been traced to a specific lettuce farm, past outbreaks have been linked to various fresh produce. Vegetables with waxy skins or those usually peeled, such as cucumbers, oranges, and carrots, are considered less likely to carry the parasite.
Cyclospora is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions with less developed water treatment and sanitation infrastructure. The parasite's eggs typically require warm, humid conditions to survive. While outbreaks are rare in the UK and Europe, imported produce can introduce the infection. Most individuals in the UK contracting the illness are believed to have acquired it while traveling abroad, with symptoms often appearing days after returning home due to an incubation period of about ten days.
Health experts advise that while washing produce is generally recommended, it may not fully eliminate the risk of cyclosporiasis as the eggs can be difficult to dislodge. Cooking is considered the most effective way to kill the parasite. Travelers are advised to be cautious about consuming uncooked vegetables, particularly salads, when abroad.
Diagnosed through a stool sample, cyclosporiasis is treatable with antibiotics, typically trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, taken for seven to ten days. People with healthy immune systems can often recover without medical treatment, though symptoms can be prolonged and may recur. Maintaining hydration with water, broths, and electrolytes is crucial due to fluid loss. Those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children are more vulnerable to severe complications, including dehydration, which can be life-threatening. Anyone experiencing symptoms after returning from abroad should consult a healthcare professional. A parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea, known as cyclosporiasis, has affected tens of thousands in the United States and has now been confirmed in the United Kingdom and Europe. The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by a farm in Mexico.
In the U.S., more than 22,000 people across 45 states have fallen ill with the parasite since summer. Two deaths have been reported, and hundreds have been hospitalized. Health officials in the UK have confirmed at least 67 Britons have become ill with the infection since May, prompting warnings for travelers to North, Central, and South America.
Cyclospora is a microscopic, single-cell parasite that infects the small intestine. Symptoms typically include prolonged, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and a feeling of bloating, which can persist for weeks and sometimes up to a month. Some individuals have reported needing to use the toilet as many as 20 times a day.
Unlike many common infections, cyclosporiasis cannot be transmitted between people. Infection occurs exclusively through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Outbreaks are often associated with contaminated produce, particularly raw fruits and vegetables that are not typically cooked before consumption. This is because the parasite's eggs can adhere to produce, especially items with numerous crevices like salad leaves, raspberries, and blackberries, which are difficult to clean thoroughly.
While the current U.S. outbreak has been traced to a specific lettuce farm, past outbreaks have been linked to various fresh produce. Vegetables with waxy skins or those usually peeled, such as cucumbers, oranges, and carrots, are considered less likely to carry the parasite.
Cyclospora is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions with less developed water treatment and sanitation infrastructure. The parasite's eggs typically require warm, humid conditions to survive. While outbreaks are rare in the UK and Europe, imported produce can introduce the infection. Most individuals in the UK contracting the illness are believed to have acquired it while traveling abroad, with symptoms often appearing days after returning home due to an incubation period of about ten days.
Health experts advise that while washing produce is generally recommended, it may not fully eliminate the risk of cyclosporiasis as the eggs can be difficult to dislodge. Cooking is considered the most effective way to kill the parasite. Travelers are advised to be cautious about consuming uncooked vegetables, particularly salads, when abroad.
Diagnosed through a stool sample, cyclosporiasis is treatable with antibiotics, typically trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, taken for seven to ten days. People with healthy immune systems can often recover without medical treatment, though symptoms can be prolonged and may recur. Maintaining hydration with water, broths, and electrolytes is crucial due to fluid loss. 