‘Focus on Prevention, Education and Awareness’

There are steps people can take to help reduce the likelihood of illness from cyclospora infection, an infectious disease specialist at ThedaCare said.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite. Cyclospora cases rise annually in the U.S. during spring and summer. This year is notable for an unusually high case count, reaching unprecedented levels across the U.S.

“Any outbreak is concerning but it doesn’t mean you are powerless,” said Anthony Zeimet, DO, an infectious disease specialist with ThedaCare. “Adopting food safety measures and knowing the signs of illness are important steps for people to follow.”

People may become infected by consuming food or water that is contaminated with the parasite. Typically, the infection is more common in countries that don’t have widespread water treatment facilities. Water used for irrigating or washing crops can then become tainted with human waste. The parasite spreads when people consume food or drink water that is contaminated with feces. Cyclosporiasis does not spread from person to person.

The current outbreak has led to hospitalizations. There have not been any reported deaths.

Foods Linked to Cyclosporiasis

In mid-July, grower Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recall included iceberg lettuce sold at retail stores and restaurants. It also included other recalled products distributed to food service customers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recently identified a new cyclosporiasis outbreak.

According to the FDA, past cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States have been linked to fresh produce such as raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas and leafy greens. Experts say eating packaged products such as bagged lettuce and salad mixes can increase the risk because they undergo more processing than whole heads of greens.

“An unfortunate side effect of the outbreak has been the worries it casts about eating fresh produce, which is essential to good health,” Dr. Zeimet said. “You can still eat fruits and veggies while taking steps to reduce your odds of contracting a foodborne illness.”

He encouraged people to follow safety guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the CDC including but not limited to:

• Not eating raw produce or uncooked foods when traveling abroad. “If you can’t cook it, peel it or wash it in safe water, don’t eat it,” he said. “Drink only bottled water and avoid ice.”
• Washing hands with soap and water before preparing food.
• Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
• Scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically are felt about one week after consuming food or drinking water containing cyclospora. They may appear as soon as two days or as long as two weeks after exposure. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue and generalized malaise.

“Fatigue and malaise can be prominent early in the infectious cycle, along with development of copious diarrhea that lasts for a few days,” Dr. Zeimet said. “You may start to feel better and then symptoms return with another round of severe diarrhea. This relapsing diarrhea is a common pattern with this illness.”

Anyone can contract cyclosporiasis. Certain groups are more vulnerable to developing serious illness or complications including people with weakened immune systems, older adults and infants and children, Dr. Zeimet said.

He encouraged people who suspect they are sick from eating potentially contaminated foods to consult their healthcare provider, especially if they have diarrhea or other severe symptoms that last for more than a few days.

“Numerous viruses and other bacteria can also cause diarrhea. Most of these cases last a couple of days,” Dr. Zeimet said. “However, if you have a relapsing pattern of diarrhea and symptoms persist beyond seven to 10 days, I would consider being tested for cyclosporiasis.”

If a doctor or clinician diagnoses cyclosporiasis, they can prescribe antibiotics to shorten the course of the illness, he explained. Without treatment, symptoms can last for a month or longer.

“It’s important to stay well-hydrated if you have cyclosporiasis and any time you are experiencing diarrhea,” Dr. Zeimet said. “When outbreaks such as cyclosporiasis occur, it’s important not to panic. Focus on prevention, education and awareness and what you can do you protect yourself. The more you know, the better equipped you are to care for yourself and loved ones.”

Visit ThedaCare Get Care Now to explore care options ranging from virtual and in-person care to urgent and emergency care.

About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.

For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media. Members of the media should call Femi Cole, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920-619-7810 or email him at [email protected].

Date posted: July 29, 2026