Case Counts
Follow the Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Dashboard, which is updated on Tuesdays at NC
DHHS Cyclosporiasis Cases Dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cyclosporiasis Click on a question below to
view the answer:
What is Cyclosporiasis? An intestinal illness caused by a parasite.
How does it spread? Through food or water contaminated with feces (poop).
Is there a vaccine for Cyclosporiasis? No vaccine for cyclosporiasis is available.
Common symptoms
Watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Cramping
Bloating
Increased gas
Fatigue and Nausea
Less common symptoms
Vomiting
Body aches
Headache
Low-grade fever
Other flu-like symptoms
If you have symptoms:
Call your healthcare provider
Without Treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or
longer
What should I do?
Follow safe food handling practices to avoid contamination.
WASH
washing hands with soap and water before handling or preparing raw fruits and
vegetables
PREPARE
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating,
cutting, or cooking.
It is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.
Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean
produce brush.
Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before
preparing and eating.
STORE
Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible
(within two hours).
Stay up-to-date on food recalls
Additional Resources:
Cyclosporiasis in North Carolina: What it is and How to Stay Safe
North Carolina Seeing Increase in Cyclosporiasis Cases
7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables
For Providers:
Clinical Care of Clyclosporiasis
Clinical Overview of Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis -Provider Fact Sheet
Cyclosporiasis -Provider Fact Sheet-Spanish