So you think you caught cyclospora, the diarrhea-causing parasite. Here’s what to do next

What to Do If You Suspect Cyclospora Infection

So you think you caught cyclospora – Ann McNitt, a 67-year-old retired nurse with more than four decades of healthcare experience, recently found herself in a Michigan emergency room battling severe gastrointestinal distress. Her symptoms included persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that had been relentless for two full days. McNitt recalled that she was visiting the restroom every twenty to thirty minutes during this period, which left her deeply concerned about maintaining proper hydration and potassium levels.

“I went to the emergency room, still feeling horrible,” McNitt remembered after her hospital visit. Drawing on decades-old memories of what she believes was a norovirus infection, she recognized the warning signs of severe dehydration. Medical staff at the facility immediately began treatment by administering intravenous fluids and prescribing potassium tablets. They also ordered testing for cyclospora, a parasite responsible for thousands of severe diarrhea cases nationwide.

Understanding the Outbreak

Since late June, thousands of Michigan residents have experienced the uncomfortable, long-lasting symptoms associated with this parasite. Health authorities including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have confirmed that shredded iceberg lettuce distributed through Taco Bell restaurants has been connected to the outbreak spanning at least five states.

Taylor Fresh Foods, the produce supplier identified as the source of the contaminated lettuce, announced on Friday that it would withdraw all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the American market. The company clarified that its other products remained unaffected and noted that its Taylor Farms branded salad kits do not contain iceberg lettuce. Taco Bell responded by removing Taylor Farms lettuce from both its restaurant locations and nationwide supply chain.

Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Care

Two days following her hospital visit, McNitt received confirmation that she had tested positive for cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by this parasite that is frequently associated with contaminated raw produce. During the couple of weeks before becoming ill, she had consumed “a couple tacos at Taco Bell” and “a couple prepackaged salad kits from the grocery store.” She recalled this information after participating in a forty-five-minute telephone interview with a contact tracer from the Michigan Department of Health.

Michigan’s case count has now surpassed five thousand, with more than one hundred hospitalizations recorded. According to the CDC, investigations are underway for cases extending beyond the Midwest outbreak, with thirty-four states reporting cases since May first, some at levels higher than normal.

The telltale indicator of cyclospora infection is frequent, watery diarrhea, though symptoms typically do not appear until two to fourteen days after exposure. Additional symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, increased gas production, bloating, loss of appetite, or weight loss. Other manifestations encompass vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and various flu-like symptoms.

Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, noted that there is no cause for concern if you have eaten at Taco Bell recently, particularly in states without major outbreaks, until cyclosporiasis symptoms develop. The primary concern mirrors other gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus: severe dehydration. Because cyclosporiasis can persist for extended periods, constant dehydration and difficulty absorbing nutrients can significantly impact the body.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and associate dean for regional campuses at the UCSF School of Medicine, explained that while no deaths have been reported in this year’s outbreaks, severe dehydration may lead to complications including low blood pressure, kidney problems, rapid heart rate, electrolyte imbalances, and strokes.

Many individuals recover independently, but recent FDA guidance recommends contacting your healthcare provider if you suspect infection. “Any persistent chronic diarrhea — it comes and goes, it lasts for more than a week — for anyone, I think that that is [when] you’d go to get tested,” Chin-Hong stated. Health officials acknowledge that cases remain underreported, as cyclospora symptoms often resemble more common stomach bugs, leading many people to manage the illness at home rather than seeking medical attention.

“Any persistent chronic diarrhea — it comes and goes, it lasts for more than a week — for anyone, I think that that is [when] you’d go to get tested,” Chin-Hong said.