5. Is The Parasite Mutating?
There’s no evidence that the parasite has evolved to become more infectious, Dianna Blau, the CDC’s acting parasitic diseases branch chief, told the AP.
Thousands of cyclospora illnesses are reported in the U.S. each year, and it’s not yet clear how unusual this year will be, she added. That said, the case total so far is four times higher than at the same point last year, according to current CDC national data, which lags dramatically from what’s being reported by the states.
It’s less common than a number of other kinds of foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli. For years, few U.S. cyclospora outbreaks were reported each year. But the number started rising about a decade ago, with a particularly notable spike in 2018 and 2019. Experts attribute the increases to climate change and better detection.
6. Does Parasite Stay In Body?
Unlike some parasites that can remain in the body for years, Cyclospora cayetanensis infects the lining of the small intestine and is typically cleared with appropriate antibiotic treatment — Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).
This treatment is typically accompanied by rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain proper hydration. If left untreated, the illness can drag on from a few days to more than a month, with symptoms that may go away and then return.