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Cause:
Protozoan Cyclospora
cayetanensis.
Illness and treatment:
Symptoms include
persistent watery diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite,
abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. Antibiotics are
available to treat persistent symptoms.
Sources:
Cyclospora are common in
many developing countries. Transmission occurs through
ingestion of contaminated food or water, often fresh fruit
or vegetables. Outbreaks in the United States have been
attributed to imported produce such as raspberries, basil
and lettuce. Tests for cyclospora must be specifically
requested.
Additional risks:
Diarrhea may persist with immunosuppression.
Prevention:
Wash produce thoroughly
before it is eaten. If traveling to risk areas, consult with
a travel clinic or the CDC Travelers’ Health website.
Recent Washington trends:
0 to 11 cases are reported yearly, mainly after
international travel.
2008:
One case was reported as part of an outbreak that occurred
in California.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To identify sources of transmission (e.g., a commercial
product) and to prevent further transmission from such
sources
- To better characterize the epidemiology of this organism
Legal Reporting Requirements
-
Health care providers: notifiable
to local health jurisdiction within 3 work days
-
Hospitals: notifiable to local
health jurisdiction within 3 work days
-
Laboratories: notifiable to local
health jurisdiction within 2 work days, specimen submission
required
-
Local health jurisdictions:
notifiable to the Washington State Department of Health
Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES) within 7
days of case investigation completion or summary information
required within 21
Last
update
November 2009 |
