Cyclospora (Cyclosporiasis)
July 16, 2026
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora (Cyclospora cayetanensis) is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. People become infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. In the United States, outbreaks are most often linked to fresh produce.
Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea (sometimes urgent or explosive)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Gas and bloatin
- Fatigue
- Stomach cramps
- Low-grade fever
- Weight loss
- Some people have no symptoms. Without treatment, illness can last for weeks and may come and go.
How do you get it?
- Contaminated fresh fruits or vegtables
- Contaminated drinking water
- Food contaminated during growing, harvesting, or processing
- As of mid-July 2026, health officials are investigating increase U.S. cases and no single food source has been confirmed.
Can it Spread from Person to Person?
Direct person-to-person spread is very unlikely because the parasite must mature in the environment before it becomes infectious.
When do Symptoms Start?
Usually 2-14 days after exposure (most often about 7 days)
Diagnosis
- See a healthcare provider if you have persistent diarrhea.
- Testing requires a stool sample.
- Multiple stool samples may be needed.
- Your provider may need to specifically request Cyclospora testing.
Treatment
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take all prescribed medications as directed.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the recommended antibiotic treatment.
- People with weakened immune systems may require longer treatment.
Reduce Your Risk
- Wash hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food.
- Wash fresh produce under running water before eating.
- Produce labeled 'prewashed' does need to be washed again.
- Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush.
- Remove damaged portions of produce.
- Cooking foods to at least 158 Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) kills Cyclospora.
When Should I Seek Medical Care?
- Diarrhea lasting more than a few days.
- Severe diarrhea or dehydration
- Blood in your stool
- Persistent fever
- Symptoms after eating fresh produce during the current outbreak
- A weakened immune system
Stay Informed
The most up to date information can be found on the CDC website.
Measles
March 5, 2025
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can cause serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms include:
- high fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red eyes
- rash that spreads across the body.
The best protection is vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Visit the CDC website for additional information on the prevention of measles and vaccine safety.
Students, faculty and staff who may be experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to measles, should contact University Health & Counseling Services at 216.368.2450.