Cyclospora Cases Are Rising – Know the Symptoms and When to Seek Care

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the digestive tract. Most people become infected after consuming contaminated fresh produce or drinking contaminated water.

Unlike many common stomach illnesses that improve within a few days, Cyclospora symptoms can persist for weeks and may improve, then return again if left untreated.

The parasite is not usually spread directly from person to person, as it must first mature in the environment before becoming infectious.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after exposure and may include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Frequent bowel movements
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating and excessive gas
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Low-grade fever

Some individuals experience mild symptoms, while others become ill enough to miss work, school, or daily activities.

How Is It Different From a Stomach Virus?

A typical viral stomach illness often improves within a few days.

Cyclospora infections are different because symptoms may:

• Last much longer
• Return after seeming to improve
• Cause ongoing watery diarrhea
• Lead to dehydration if not properly treated

If your symptoms are lingering or worsening, it's important to be evaluated by a medical provider.

How EZMED Can Help

At EZMED Primary & Urgent Care, we evaluate patients experiencing prolonged diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

When medically appropriate, we can collect stool specimens and send them to Labcorp for specialized laboratory testing to help identify Cyclospora or other intestinal infections. Because Cyclospora requires specific testing, it may not be detected on routine stool studies. Our providers will determine the most appropriate testing based on your symptoms and medical history.

If testing confirms Cyclospora, treatment will be recommended according to current medical guidelines, along with supportive care to help you recover safely.

When Should You Visit Urgent Care?

Don't ignore symptoms that continue beyond a few days.

Seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Ongoing nausea or vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Fever with gastrointestinal symptoms
• Signs of dehydration
• Recent travel or possible exposure to contaminated food
• Symptoms that improve and then return

Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your illness and prevent complications.

Reducing Your Risk

While not all foodborne illnesses can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

• Washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly
• Practicing good hand hygiene before eating or preparing food
• Drinking clean, safe water
• Following food safety recommendations when traveling
• Refrigerating perishable foods promptly

Why Choose EZMED Primary & Urgent Care?

Our experienced providers proudly care for patients throughout Timonium, Lutherville, Cockeysville, Towson, Hunt Valley, Phoenix, Sparks, Mays Chapel, Parkville, Owings Mills, Baltimore County, and surrounding communities.

We offer:

• Walk-in urgent care
• Same-day appointments when available
• Experienced medical providers
• Labcorp specimen collection when clinically indicated
• Personalized treatment plans based on current medical guidelines
• Compassionate care for children, teens, and adults

Don't Assume It's "Just a Stomach Bug"

If you've had persistent diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or other digestive symptoms that aren't improving, let our team help determine the cause.

Walk into EZMED Primary & Urgent Care or schedule an appointment today for prompt evaluation and compassionate care.