6 Cyclosporiasis
6.1 Epidemiologic Review
6.1.1 Disease Information
Overview: Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. C. cayetanensis is widely distributed throughout the world, including the United States.
Symptoms: Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Severe symptoms most often occur among young children and older adults.
Transmission: Transmission can occur by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
Treatment: Cyclosporiasis usually resolves on its own. When treatment is necessary, antibiotics are an effective form of treatment.
Prevention: Prevention measures include not swallowing recreational water or drinking untreated water and thoroughly washing all fresh fruits and vegetables prior to eating.
6.1.2 Demographics
Rates for <1, 1-4, 5-17, and 65+ years of age are not displayed due to low case counts.
Racial and Ethnicity demographic data are not presented due to low counts.
6.1.3 Outbreaks
A large outbreak of Cyclosporiasis was discovered after a food handler initially tested positive for Cryptosporidiosis. After completing the patient interview, it was apparent that many staff members had also been ill with similar gastrointestinal symptoms. Onset dates ranged from 5/29-6/22. Once the outbreak concluded, the total case count was 12 staff and 12 patrons of the restaurant who were identified as confirmed or probable cases. After analyzing staff surveys and patron food history questionnaires it was suspected that baby arugula was the source of the illnesses. Nationally, cyclosporiasis was elevated as well. As of October 24, 2023, 41 jurisdictions, including 40 states and New York City, reported a total of 2,272 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis (including the clusters that were under investigation by the FDA). These individuals had not traveled outside of the United States during the 14 days before they got sick. Sick people ranged in age from 2 – 96 years, with a median age of 51, and 57% were female. The median illness onset date was June 24, 2023 (range: April 1 – August 31). Of 2,242 people with information available, 186 were hospitalized. Zero deaths occurred.
6.1.4 Monthly and Historical Comparisons
2023 had the highest rate of cyclosporiasis in the previous 5 years.
Data for Utah and the CDC were retrieved from the CDC’s Notifiable Infectious Disease Data Tables.