The Denton County Public Health District has confirmed two cases of cyclosporiasis among local residents. The infections are linked to a wider outbreak of the parasite occurring across the United States.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that affects the digestive system. Individuals who contract the illness typically develop watery diarrhea, which can be frequent and severe. Additional symptoms often include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. The onset of these symptoms generally occurs about one week after exposure, though the window can range from two days to several weeks.
If the condition is not treated with antibiotics, the illness may persist for days or extend beyond a month. Symptoms can also cease temporarily before returning in multiple relapses. While many individuals with healthy immune systems recover without medical intervention, those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of severe or prolonged illness. Healthcare providers diagnose the infection through laboratory testing, which may require multiple stool samples because the parasite can be difficult to detect even when symptoms are present.
The Denton County Public Health District advises residents to adhere to standard food safety measures. This includes washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Because the parasite can be difficult to remove from raw produce through washing alone, cooking food thoroughly is considered the most effective method to eliminate the organism. The district notes that person-to-person transmission is unlikely, as the parasite requires one to two weeks outside the human body to become infectious after a bowel movement.
