FRANKFORT — Kentucky is among at least 18 states that have reported cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness that public health officials say is typically tied to contaminated food or water.
What health officials are seeing
The illness is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which infects the small intestine. Symptoms typically begin 2 to 14 days after exposure and can last for days or weeks, with possible relapses.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery or explosive diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss
- Low-grade fever and increased gas
Treatment and prevention
Health authorities recommend the antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as the treatment for cyclosporiasis. Because the parasite is spread when people ingest food or water contaminated with feces containing Cyclospora oocysts, officials emphasize food-safety measures to reduce risk.
| Incubation | Treatment | Typical vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 2–14 days | Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole | Fresh produce, contaminated water |
Recommended precautions include washing hands with soap and water before preparing food, rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water (and scrubbing firm produce), refrigerating cut or cooked produce promptly, avoiding cross-contamination between raw produce and raw meat or seafood, and cooking produce when possible because heat inactivates the parasite.
Investigation and local impact
Investigators have not yet linked the current outbreak to a single food item. Historically, U.S. outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been associated with leafy greens, herbs such as cilantro and basil, berries like raspberries, mesclun mixes and bagged salads. State and federal public-health agencies continue tracing cases to identify any common source.
For Kentucky, the outbreak underlines challenges in the farm-to-table supply chain and the importance of surveillance during peak produce seasons. Local health departments are likely to field calls from clinicians and residents about testing and treatment; clinicians should consider cyclosporiasis in patients with prolonged watery diarrhea and a compatible exposure history.
People who develop persistent diarrhea after consuming fresh produce or traveling should contact their health care provider. Public-health authorities may recommend testing for Cyclospora when symptoms fit the profile and other causes have been ruled out.
News Block will continue to follow updates from state health agencies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as investigators seek to identify the outbreak’s source and advise affected communities.
