Cyclospora Outbreak: What You Need to Know

Cases of Cyclospora infections are increasing across parts of the United States, making food safety a timely topic.

While most people have heard of food poisoning caused by bacteria, Cyclospora is different. It’s a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables and cause an illness known as cyclosporiasis.

The good news is that a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora (Cyclospora cayetanensis) is a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water. It is most commonly linked to fresh produce such as:

Three purple circular cells with granular interiors visible on a light blue microscope slide background.

Leafy greens
Cilantro
Basil
Raspberries
Blackberries
Fresh salad mixes

Unlike many bacteria, Cyclospora isn’t easily removed by a quick rinse, making proper food handling especially important.

Common Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure and may last for several weeks if left untreated.

Watch for:

Prolonged diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Bloating
Weight loss

If symptoms become severe or persist, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.

How to Help Reduce Your Risk

Protect yourself with these simple food safety habits:

Wash fresh produce thoroughly before eating.
Peel fruits and vegetables whenever possible.
Cook foods to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher when appropriate.
Wash your hands before preparing or eating food.
Avoid consuming food from questionable sources if an outbreak has been reported in your area.

According to Dr. Goodbinder, Cyclospora relies on folate metabolism to survive and reproduce. Standard medical treatment typically involves prescription antibiotics that interfere with this process.

Dr. Goodbinder also discusses wormwood and its extract, artemisinin, as natural compounds that may affect parasites through a different biological mechanism.

“The natural approach would be to use something called wormwood, or an extract of wormwood called artemisinin. These both use heme iron to create massive oxidative stress on the organelles of parasites. When you damage those organelles, it directly affects the parasite’s ability to utilize folate metabolism. Affecting that is the same thing those medical treatments do, except it won’t damage you. While those medical treatments can damage your microbiome, wormwood won’t do that for you, so it may be a great preventative.”

These supplements should not be considered a substitute for medical evaluation or prescribed treatment. If you develop symptoms consistent with Cyclospora, speak with your healthcare provider for appropriate testing and treatment.

“There’s no data right now saying that artemisinin or wormwood will kill cyclosporiasis, but it’s worth a go. You may think, ‘Hey, I’m going to have blazing, raging diarrhea nonstop for a couple of weeks. I’m going to blow that sucker out’ And maybe, if you’re healthy enough, you can make it that long. But who wants to sit on the toilet nonstop for two weeks? I don’t, and I’m hoping you don’t either.”