You've probably seen recent headlines about Cyclospora, a parasite that has caused “explosive diarrhea” in several states, including Connecticut.
Connecticut Children's pediatric infectious disease expert, Ian Michelow, MD, explains what Cyclospora is, how children get it, and when it's time to get medical attention.
Note: Health officials continue to investigate recent outbreaks. Recommendations may change as more information becomes available.
Saw the Headlines? Here's the Good News.
Most children will never get Cyclosporiasis. Even when they do, it's usually treatable. This guide explains what parents need to know, when to call the pediatrician and simple ways to help prevent infection.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that can infect the intestines and cause diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.
People usually become infected after eating contaminated fresh fruits or vegetables, or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Unlike many stomach bugs such as norovirus, Cyclospora is not easily spread from one person directly to another.
Despite the current news, Cyclospora infections are still uncommon.
Most children will never develop Cyclosporiasis. And if they do become infected, the illness may be mild and is treatable with prescription antibiotics.
The recent headlines are actually a good reminder of something that's important every day—not just during an outbreak:
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables well before eating them.
Wash hands with soap and water before preparing food and before eating. Sing the Happy Birthday song twice (about 20 seconds) so you know enough time has passed when washing hands.
Encourage children to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating meals.
Drink safe, clean water when traveling. If traveling internationally, always ask if any tap or fountain water is potable (drinkable.)
These healthy habits help reduce the risk of many foodborne illnesses.
Help Protect Your Family from Cyclosporiasis
A few simple habits can lower your family's risk:
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom. Keep kitchen surfaces and utensils clean. Drink safe water, especially when traveling internationally.
These same habits help protect against many viruses, bacteria and other parasites that can cause diarrhea.
What are the symptoms of Cyclosporiasis?
Symptoms usually start about one week after becoming infected, although exact timing is different for everyone.
Children may have:
Frequent, watery “explosive” diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Bloating or increased gas
Low-grade fever
Weight loss if symptoms last for several days
Without treatment, symptoms may resolve on their own after a few days or can come and go and may last for several weeks.
When should I call my pediatrician for diarrhea?
Many stomach illnesses improve on their own within a few days. But it's a good idea to contact your pediatrician for:
Diarrhea lasting more than a few days
Signs of dehydration, like dry mouth, few wet diapers or urinating less often, dizziness or unusual sleepiness
Symptoms after recent international travel or after eating food linked to a national recall
Your pediatrician may recommend further testing or specific treatment.
It's understandable that headlines about a parasite catch parents' attention. But it’s important to remember that Cyclosporiasis infections are rare, treatable and preventable.
Ian Michelow, MD, Division Head of Infectious Diseases and Immunology,
Connecticut Children's
How is cyclosporiasis diagnosed and treated?
Cyclosporiasis can't be diagnosed based on symptoms alone because many stomach illnesses act the same.
However, a stool test to look for the Cyclospora parasite is available if needed.
If the stool test is positive, your child will most likely take a course of antibiotics and will start to feel better shortly after starting treatment.
The Bottom Line
No parent wants to see headlines about a parasite, especially in Connecticut. Fortunately, Cyclospora infections are not common, and most children recover without complications. Testing and treatment is available if needed.
The current outbreak is also a good reminder that everyday habits—washing produce, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home when sick—go a long way toward keeping families healthy. Remember the days of COVID-19? We can apply lessons learned then to keep us safe now!
If your child develops persistent diarrhea or you're concerned about dehydration, don't hesitate to get medical attention.
FAQs
Not usually. Unlike many stomach bugs, this infection does not easily spread from person to person. That is because the germ needs time outside the body before it can infect someone else. Most people become infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water—not by being around someone who is sick. But it is always a good idea to practice good hand hygiene and wash fresh produce well before eating it.
This infection has been linked to fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, berries and other fruits and vegetables. During an outbreak, health officials work to track down the exact source, but it can take a while.
The best way to reduce your family's risk is to wash fresh produce thoroughly before eating it and practice good hand hygiene when preparing food.
Yes! There's no reason to stop eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Instead, make food safety part of your daily routine by washing it well and washing hands thoroughly.
Without treatment, symptoms may resolve after a few days or can last for several weeks and may come and go over time. With appropriate treatment, most people begin feeling better sooner.
If your child's diarrhea continues for more than a few days or seems to be getting worse, contact your pediatrician.
Because many stomach illnesses cause similar symptoms, your child's pediatrician may recommend a stool test.
Not every child with diarrhea needs testing. Your pediatrician will consider your child's symptoms and signs, recent travel, possible food exposures and how long the illness has lasted before deciding whether a test is needed.
Yes. Cyclospora is usually treated with a prescription antibiotic. Most children recover well.
Children with diarrhea should stay home until they are feeling better and are no longer having frequent loose stools.
If you're unsure when your child can safely return to school or daycare, check with your pediatrician and follow your school's illness policy.
Not necessarily.
Even during an outbreak, most people who eat a recalled or suspected food do not become sick.
Young children lose fluids more quickly than adults. Even a short period of vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in infants and toddlers. That's why it's important to encourage small, frequent sips of fluids and watch for signs such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, unusual sleepiness or dizziness.
