Louisiana reports 23 cases of Cyclospora infection as incidence rises

Louisiana health officials said the state is monitoring 23 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic stomach illness, a figure that exceeds the five-year average of 20 cases for the same period. One patient has been hospitalized, and no fatalities have been reported.

The Louisiana Department of Health noted that the count is preliminary because many cases remain under investigation. Cyclospora, the microscopic parasite that causes the disease, is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, especially fresh produce such as leafy greens, herbs and berries.

Symptoms, which usually appear about a week after exposure, include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and low-grade fever. The illness can persist for weeks if untreated, and symptoms may recur after an initial improvement.

Health officials emphasized that cyclosporiasis does not spread easily from person to person; the parasite must spend one to two weeks in the environment after being excreted before it becomes infectious. Cases tend to increase during the warmer months, with the CDC defining May 1 through Aug. 31 as the typical season.

Nationally, the CDC reported 145 domestically acquired cases across 17 states, resulting in 20 hospitalizations and no deaths. While no single multistate outbreak has been identified, several clusters are still being investigated, and Michigan has reported over 700 cases.

The CDC advises individuals with symptoms to seek medical care, as specific laboratory testing is required to detect Cyclospora. Preventive measures include washing hands before handling food, rinsing fresh produce under running water and cooking vegetables when possible, though washing may not eliminate all parasites.