What You Should Know About Cyclosporiasis

As cases of cyclosporiasis continue to increase in Michigan, it’s important to understand what this illness is, how it spreads, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. People become infected after eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Once inside the body, Cyclospora infects the small intestine and commonly causes frequent, watery diarrhea.

Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, although they can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or longer.

The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea that may be severe or explosive. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Low-grade fever

Without treatment, symptoms may last from a few days to more than a month. In some cases, symptoms improve and then return.

While cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, the diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can become serious, especially for infants and young children, older adults, people receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and those with weakened immune systems.

Past outbreaks in the United States and Canada have been associated with several fresh produce items, including:

• Bagged salad mixes and salad kits
• Fresh cilantro
• Raspberries
• Snow peas
• Green onions (scallions)

Because many of these foods are often eaten raw, careful handling is important.

There are several simple steps you can take to lower your risk of infection:

Wash Fresh Produce Thoroughly

• Rinse all fruits and vegetables under clean, running water before eating or preparing them—even if you plan to peel them.
• Separate the leaves of herbs such as cilantro and basil while washing.
• Remove the outer layers of green onions and trim the roots before washing.
• For whole heads of lettuce, discard the outer two to three leaves and wash the inner leaves thoroughly.

Cook When Possible

Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills the Cyclospora parasite. Cooking is the safest option for leafy greens, herbs, snow peas, and raspberries when possible.

Practice Safe Food Handling

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing food.
• Use a clean produce brush to scrub firm fruits and vegetables such as melons and cucumbers.
• Wash and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and food preparation surfaces.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.

If you develop sudden or persistent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Your provider may recommend testing to determine the cause of your illness.

Cyclosporiasis is typically treated with antibiotics. It’s also important to get plenty of rest and drink fluids to help prevent dehydration. If you experience severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination), or symptoms that do not improve, seek medical care promptly.

Protecting yourself starts with safe food handling and knowing the signs of illness. By washing fresh produce carefully, practicing good kitchen hygiene, and seeking medical care if symptoms develop, you can help reduce your risk of cyclosporiasis.

Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Infectious Disease Outbreaks. Retrieved July 9, 2026, from https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks