Experts Explain What Is Meant by “Explosive Diarrhea” in Cyclospora Outbreak
Health officials describe “explosive diarrhea” as a sudden, high-volume watery stool linked to cyclospora infection and advise prompt medical evaluation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection whose primary symptom is often described as “explosive diarrhea.”
Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric diseases at UC Davis Health, said the term is not a formal medical diagnosis but generally refers to a sudden onset of large-volume, watery diarrhea accompanied by forceful gas and abdominal cramps. He noted that such presentations differ from other causes, such as norovirus, which typically produces a brief watery diarrhea, or cholera, which is characterized by “rice-water” stools.
Dr. Deborah Plate, chair of family medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, agreed that patients who report “explosive” stools are likely experiencing a parasitic infection like cyclospora. She explained that the parasite damages the small-intestine lining, impairing water and nutrient absorption, which leads to excess fluid and gas moving into the colon.
The resulting high-volume, watery stools can cause rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss, especially in young children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Unlike many viral or bacterial gastroenteritis cases, cyclosporiasis usually does not cause vomiting, fever or bloody stools.
Treatment involves a prescription antibiotic that targets the parasite, though a stool sample is typically required for confirmation. Patients may see improvement within days, but the intestinal lining can take time to heal, and symptoms may recur.
“Call your primary care doctor and let them know you’re having these symptoms,” Dr. Plate advised, adding that persistent diarrhea beyond 24 hours warrants medical attention and that severe cases may require hospitalization.