Pathogen: Cyclospora - parasite

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Symptoms

• Diarrhea (watery)
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Stomach cramps
• Abdominal bloating, increased gas
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Start of symptoms / how long they last

Symptoms usually

• start within one week after eating or drinking food containing the parasite
• last from a few days to 7 weeks

Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse).

How you can get sick

• By eating or drinking food or beverages contaminated with Cyclospora from or while travelling to developing countries where foodborne illness from Cyclospora is common
• Food and drinks can become contaminated
  • during cultivation, harvest or packaging
  • through contact with infected food handlers during packaging and transportation
  • through contaminated irrigation or tap water

Potential health impacts

• Cyclospora infection responds quickly to proper antibiotic treatment and is not considered to be life-threatening in healthy people.
• There are rarely long-term consequences in healthy people.

Food commonly associated

• Imported fruits and vegetables, including fresh basil and raspberries, that are
  • consumed raw or lightly cooked, and
  • from countries where Cyclospora is common.

How to protect yourself

• Fresh fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before they are eaten, although this practice may not fully eliminate the risk of illness.

Food Safety Tip

Fruits and vegetables are healthy snacks. Be sure to wash them with clean, running water before you eat them.

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