Is it a stomach bug or cyclosporiasis? Why this parasite lasts for weeks
Is it a stomach bug or cyclosporiasis? Why this parasite lasts for weeks
With outbreaks nationwide, a VCU Health infectious disease expert shares insights on how to protect yourself from the diarrhea-causing illness and when to call a doctor
July 14, 2026
Cyclosporiasis is different than other gastrointestinal illnesses because it can last for several weeks if it goes untreated. VCU Health experts recommend calling a doctor if you experience severe diarrhea for more than 48 hours and have a fever. (Getty Images)
By Sara McCloskey-Nieves
For hundreds of people living in the United States, what first felt like a minor stomach bug has turned into weeks of serious gastrointestinal problems.
Federal officials are tracking outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in dozens of states. As of early July, the states hardest hit are Michigan, Ohio and New York.
The parasitic illness isn’t like other 24-hour stomach infections M.D., an infectious diseases expert at VCU Health.
“Cyclospora can cause severe, prolonged watery diarrhea. It tends to last longer than other illnesses associated with diarrhea, like norovirus. For people with weak immune systems, such as those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or are transplant recipients, the symptoms can be more severe and last longer,” Bearman said
VCU Health News spoke with Bearman about cyclosporiasis symptoms, how it is transmitted and how you can protect yourself from getting sick.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness that is usually not life-threatening. It is caused by the cyclospora parasite which can be found in feces. People can get sick with cyclosporiasis by consuming contaminated food and water.
If it goes untreated, people can be sick with the illness for days to weeks and a month, with potential relapsing symptoms.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis? How are they different from a typical stomach bug?
It can take about a week to begin experiencing symptoms after being exposed, but sometimes symptoms may start after a few days.
Some people with cyclosporiasis don’t get any symptoms. Those who do will experience watery diarrhea that can be debilitating, with frequent – sometimes explosive – bowel movements.
Other cyclosporiasis symptoms include:
- Intense bloating
- Stomach cramps and nausea
- Fatigue
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
What makes cyclosporiasis different from the typical stomach bug is that it can last for weeks, with potentially relapsing symptoms. It is also very difficult to spread from person to person.
How does cyclosporiasis spread?
Cyclosporiasis spreads when people eat food or drink water contaminated with feces. While we still do not know what is causing this current rise in cases, past outbreaks of the cyclospora parasite have been connected to imported or domestic produce.
If someone is sick, it is very unlikely that they will spread it to someone else directly. That’s because it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the parasite to become infectious when it leaves the body after a bowel movement.
How is cyclosporiasis treated?
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics. Patients are also recommended to rest and drink plenty of fluids if they are experiencing diarrhea.
Most people with healthy immune systems can recover without treatment. However, if you don’t get medication, you may be sick for several days, weeks or even a month. People who are immunocompromised may be at higher risk of being sick longer.
How can I protect myself from cyclosporiasis?
Avoid food and water that may be contaminated with feces. If you are traveling to subtropical or tropical areas, be aware that regular food and water disinfecting measures may not kill this cyclospora.
After picking up your groceries, pay close attention to how you’re handling fresh or raw produce. Normal washing doesn’t completely eliminate the cyclospora parasite because it can be deeply wedged in the folds or skin of produce.
Health officials recommend the following steps to protect yourself against cyclospora:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw produce.
- Rinse all fresh produce under running water and scrub produce skin like melons, cucumbers and tomatoes with a clean brush or cloth. Packaged produce labeled “prewashed” does not need to be washed again, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Cut damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked produce soon after preparing.
If I think I have cyclosporiasis, at what point should I see a doctor?
If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than 48 hours and also have a fever, seek medical attention. This is particularly important if you have an underlying condition or take a medication that weakens your immune system.
While healthcare providers can diagnose cyclosporiasis by testing a sample of your stool, sometimes lab tests have a hard time detecting the parasite even if a patient has symptoms.
Stay informed, stay healthy. For the latest health care news from trusted experts, subscribe to VCU Health’s e-mail newsletter
Related Articles
Sonography director donates lab to inspire students
Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:39:00 EDT
‘Quadruple threat’ John L. Beyer treats older adults’ mental health as their needs grow more acute
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:43:00 EDT
VCU Health Board of Directors elects Cantor as chair, extends contract for CEO Levy
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:17:00 EDT
