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News: The U.S. is investigating a major cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce, with Michigan reporting over 11,000 cases and two deaths.
About Cyclosporiasis
- Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne intestinal illness.
- It is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic coccidian protozoan parasite.
- Mode of Transmission: The infection spreads through the faeco-oral route by consuming food or water contaminated with faeces.
- It does not spread directly from person to person.
- Symptoms: Watery diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, stomach cramps, and dehydration are common symptoms.
- Impacts:
- Untreated infection may persist for weeks and cause hospitalization due to dehydration.
- It may lead to malabsorption (reduced absorption of nutrients by the intestine), cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and reactive arthritis (joint inflammation).
- Treatment: Confirmed cases are treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for 7–10 days, along with aggressive hydration.
- People living with HIV may require longer treatment.
- Prevention:
- Food Safety: Cooking temperature at 70°C, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water, and discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables before eating.
- Hygiene: Maintain strict hand hygiene, as chemical sanitisation alone may not completely eliminate the Cyclospora parasite.
- Vulnerable Groups: Children, older adults, immunocompromised people, and people with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.
