Cyclospora has been identified in 11 percent of individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms. Until 1996 most cases were experienced by overseas travelers.
In 1996 major outbreak it affecting over 1400 people. The outbreak was traced to raspberries imported from Guatemala and fresh basil.
The berries were most likely contaminated when they were sprayed with insecticide or fungicide that was mixed with water containing the parasites eggs, called oocysts.
This bacteria is commonly found in the feces of an infected person. It has been found in unclean water.
Transmission is via the fecal/oral route; human contract cyclosporiasis after eating food or drinking water contaminated with fecal matter containing Cyclospora oocysts. The parasites causes watery diarrhea and intestinal cramps that can last for weeks.
Clinical symptoms of cyclosporidiosis resemble those of cryprosporidiossis i.e., nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss and explosive watery diarrhea lasting 1 to 7 weeks.
Typically symptoms to away and then return. The parasites tends to appear most frequently on produce.
The disease is treatable and is only considered potentially life threatening to those with compromised immune systems; been without treatment, most individuals eventually recover.
Cyclospora cayetanensis
