The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently monitoring instances of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection affecting 31 states, including New Hampshire. Cyclosporiasis stems from the cyclospora parasite and can result from consuming unwashed produce, leading to symptoms like watery diarrhea, fatigue, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. As of last week, there have been 843 reported cases across the country, with two confirmed cases in New Hampshire. Over the past five years, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services has identified between two and nine cases each year.
Though this illness isn’t new, Dr. Dilip Yarabothu, the Medical Director of Southern New Hampshire Health Immediate Care, notes an increased awareness this year. He mentioned, “The fact that we deal with all kinds of illnesses all the time, it’s just one that has shown up, and now we’re just being more hypervigilant of it.” Treatment typically involves antibiotics; untreated cases may experience prolonged symptoms.
Detecting cyclosporiasis can be a bit tricky. The parasite doesn’t appear on standard parasite screens and requires specific testing. Dr. Yarabothu explained that, at times, doctors may need patients to provide samples multiple times, spaced two to three days apart, as the parasite isn’t consistently shed. Similarly, symptoms may not always be continuous either.
If you notice signs such as diarrhea, cramping, and dehydration persisting for several days, it’s advisable to seek medical guidance. “If you’re having several days of diarrhea, if you’re not getting better abdominal cramping, you’re becoming dehydrated, then I think it’s reasonable to go seek out medical attention before it’s weeks,” he said.
