Nearly 7,000 Americans have fallen victim to a watery and explosive diarrhoea-causing parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, which has swept 34 states since May 13, hospitalising 94 people. The outbreak, which causes an infection known as cyclosporiasis, has largely remained a mystery due to the difficulty of tracing the parasite. However, US fast-food chain Taco Bell told the BBC it is removing lettuce from its menus in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, after the Centre for Disease Control shared that 1,645 people in five states reported 'exposure' to the restaurant.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that infects the small intestine and causes cyclosporiasis. 'The parasite is commonly found in certain parts of Central and South America, southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa,' prescribing pharmacist Karen Hutchinson told Metro. You can contract cyclospora mainly by drinking unclean water or eating food that has been contaminated or not properly cooked and washed. Symptoms normally appear around a week after exposure, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly how and when it was contracted.
Symptoms to watch for
Dr Dominic Greenyer, private GP and Director at The Health Suite, told Metro that the most common symptom is 'prolonged watery diarrhoea' that can last for several days or even weeks if left untreated. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes a low-grade fever. A distinctive feature is that symptoms often come and go, with people feeling better for a few days before the diarrhoea returns, which can make it easy to dismiss.
Risk for UK residents
Karen Hutchinson said the current US outbreak is not a 'major cause for concern' in Britain. 'The risk remains relatively low for people in the UK, especially given that Cyclospora is not typically spread directly from person to person,' she explained. However, those who recently returned from a country experiencing an outbreak, regularly eat uncooked fresh produce, or suspect they have drunk contaminated water may be at greater risk. Dr Greenyer echoed this, saying, 'I wouldn't want people to panic or stop eating fruit and vegetables. The overall risk to the average person in the UK remains low.'
What to do if you suspect infection
Symptoms are worse in the elderly, young children, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems. For mild symptoms, the priority is staying well hydrated. If symptoms become severe, or if you are passing blood, developing signs of dehydration, or have an underlying medical condition, seek medical advice promptly. Unlike viral stomach bugs, cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a GP. Pharmacist Karen also advises not preparing food for others while unwell and maintaining good hygiene.
Prevention tips
To avoid infection, wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating, especially if consumed raw. 'Take extra care with food and water if you're travelling to countries where foodborne infections are more common,' Dr Greenyer added. 'Most importantly, people shouldn't be alarmed by headlines alone. The current outbreak is being investigated in the United States, and for the vast majority of people in the UK, the risk remains very low.'
