CDC probes Cyclospora spike as Georgia cases grow

Georgia physicians are encouraging people with persistent diarrhea to seek medical care and ask about Cyclospora testing as health officials work to determine what is driving an increase in infections across the country.

The parasitic illness can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including frequent watery diarrhea, nausea, bloating, fatigue and, in some cases, a low-grade fever. Doctors warn that prolonged illness can quickly lead to dehydration, particularly among older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Frita Fisher of Midtown Atlanta Nephrology said some patients have reported experiencing diarrhea as many as 40 times a day, making prompt medical evaluation essential.

She also noted that Cyclospora is not routinely included in standard laboratory testing, meaning patients may need to specifically request that healthcare providers test for the parasite.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multistate increase in Cyclospora infections after confirming 843 domestically acquired cases in 31 states. The illnesses have resulted in 86 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported. Officials expect those numbers to increase as additional cases are confirmed.

Investigators have not yet identified the food responsible for the outbreak.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water rather than through typical person-to-person contact. Previous outbreaks have often been linked to fresh produce.

Dr. Colleen Kraft, an infectious disease specialist at Emory University, said identifying the source can be challenging because symptoms may not appear until two days to two weeks after exposure.

That delay often makes it difficult for patients to accurately remember what they ate before becoming sick, limiting investigators’ ability to identify a common source.

Despite the ongoing investigation, doctors are not advising people to avoid fruits and vegetables. Instead, they recommend washing produce under running water, practicing proper hand hygiene and safely preparing food whenever possible.

Fisher said washing produce can reduce contamination but does not eliminate Cyclospora, adding that thorough cooking is the only reliable way to kill the parasite. Because many fruits and vegetables are consumed raw, health experts stress the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking treatment when illness persists.