Cyclosporiasis

Cyclosporiasis is an illness that causes diarrhea and stomach pain. It is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, which is so small it can only be seen with a microscope. The parasite is common in tropical countries. In the U.S., people can get sick by traveling to or eating fresh produce imported from tropical countries.

The Cyclospora parasite is spread when people eat or drink something that has been contaminated with poop, especially fresh produce (herbs, vegetables, berries) and untreated water. Cyclospora cannot be spread from person-to-person. 

For information on outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, please see the DHS Disease Outbreaks webpage.