Recent outbreaks have brought Cyclospora back into the news. FastMed has also received more questions from patients about testing.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems. If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed, testing may help find the cause.
FastMed offers Cyclospora testing at our clinic locations when a healthcare provider believes it is medically needed.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that infects the small intestine. The illness it causes is called cyclosporiasis.
People usually become infected after eating food or drinking water that contains the parasite. In the United States, more cases are often reported during the spring and summer.
Past outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, such as:
- Leafy greens
- Fresh herbs
- Berries
- Other fruits and vegetables
Cyclospora does not usually spread directly from one person to another. After the parasite leaves the body in stool, it must spend time in the environment before it can infect someone else.
What Are the Symptoms?
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of Cyclospora. The diarrhea may last for several days or weeks. It may also improve for a short time and then return.
Other symptoms may include:
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating or gas
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Body aches
- Vomiting
- A low fever
Symptoms often begin about one week after exposure. However, they may start sooner or take two weeks or longer to appear.
These symptoms can look like many other stomach illnesses. Testing may be needed to find the cause.
When Should You Consider Testing?
A healthcare provider may recommend Cyclospora testing if you:
- Have watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days
- Have diarrhea that improves and then returns
- Ate food linked to a known outbreak or recall
- Recently traveled to an area where Cyclospora is more common
- Have ongoing stomach symptoms without a clear cause
- Have a weak immune system or another serious health condition
Being exposed does not always mean that you need a test. A provider will review your symptoms, health history, travel and possible food exposures before deciding whether testing is right for you.
It is often best to be tested while symptoms are still present or have only recently improved.
How Does Cyclospora Testing Work?
Cyclospora testing uses a stool sample. The sample is sent to a laboratory to look for signs of the parasite.
Depending on the test, the lab may use:
- A test that looks for the parasite’s genetic material
- A microscope with special stains
Cyclospora is not included in routine stool tests. Your provider may need to order the test by name.
The parasite can also be hard to find in one sample. If the first test is negative but symptoms continue, your provider may ask you to provide more than one stool sample.
How Long Do Results Take?
Results usually take about 5 to 7 days to return. During outbreaks and increased testing, it may take longer.
Your FastMed provider can explain how long your test is expected to take.
While waiting for results, it is important to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration.
Water, clear broth and drinks with electrolytes may help replace lost fluids. Your provider may also recommend other ways to manage your symptoms.
How Is Cyclospora Treated?
The preferred treatment for Cyclospora is a prescription antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. It is also known as TMP-SMX or Bactrim.
Your provider will consider your test results, symptoms, allergies, medications and health history before recommending treatment.
People who cannot take this medicine may need a different treatment plan. Other antibiotics may not work as well against Cyclospora.
Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or longer. They may also improve and then return.
When Should You Seek Care Right Away?
Seek medical care quickly if you have:
- Very little urine
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Confusion
- Trouble keeping fluids down
- Severe or worsening stomach pain
- Blood in your stool
- A high fever
- Severe weakness
- Symptoms that are getting worse
Seek care sooner if you are pregnant, have a weak immune system, are an older adult or have a serious medical condition.
Getting Tested at FastMed
FastMed offers evaluation and Cyclospora testing at all clinic locations when medically appropriate.
During your visit, a healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, recent travel and possible food exposures.
If testing is recommended, the provider will explain how to collect the stool sample and how you will receive your results. In some cases, you may collect the sample at home and return it to the clinic or laboratory.
Be sure to follow all collection, storage and return instructions carefully. This can help improve the accuracy of your test.
Walk-ins are welcome, or you may reserve a visit ahead of time.
If you have ongoing watery diarrhea or symptoms linked to a Cyclospora outbreak, visit a FastMed location for evaluation.
About FastMed
FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.
