Parasitic Cyclospora Infections up 134% This Summer

A recent article from CNN highlighted the increase in the number of cases of cyclospora infections: There were 206 cases of cyclospora infections reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from the first of May to the beginning of August, a 134% increase from the 88 cases reported over the same time period in 2016. Cyclospora infections or cyclosporiasis are caused by ingestion of the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis in food or water. Cyclospora infect the small intestine and most commonly cause watery diarrhea; other symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea and weight loss. Those with cyclospora infections start to experience symptoms about seven days after ingesting the parasite and usually need to be treated with an antibiotic. If untreated, the illness may last over a month and could continue over a recurring cycle. To test for the presence of cyclospora, stool specimens must be collected and sent to a laboratory. Cases have been reported across 27 states this summer. Only 18 cases resulted in hospitalization, and no deaths have been reported. Read more... Travel history may again be important for EMS personnel for patients presenting with signs/symptoms common to this infection. This illness is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. This isn't transmitted person-to-person; one needs to ingest the parasite to become infected. The CDC is asking that healthcare personnel access patients for this infection if they present wit...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Patient Care News Source Type: news