Increase in Cyclospora Infections Across New York
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), in coordination with the New York City Health Department, is investigating an increase in cases of cyclospora infection (cyclosporiasis) across New York State.
Cyclospora is an intestinal parasite that infects the small intestine and most commonly causes watery diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Symptoms typically develop about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days later. Without treatment, illness may persist for several weeks and may follow a relapsing course.
What Home Care Providers Should Know
Cyclospora is not spread through casual person-to-person contact. Infection occurs by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, with recent U.S. outbreaks frequently linked to imported fresh produce.
Home care agencies should remind clinical and direct care staff to:
- Be alert for clients experiencing prolonged watery diarrhea, especially if accompanied by fatigue, abdominal cramping, nausea, or recent travel to tropical or subtropical regions.
- Encourage clients with symptoms to contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
- Reinforce proper hand hygiene and safe food handling practices during meal preparation and assistance with eating.
- Follow standard precautions when providing personal care to clients with diarrheal illness.
- Instruct employees experiencing diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms to notify their supervisor and follow agency policies regarding illness and return to work.
Routine household disinfectants and chemical sanitizers are not effective at killing Cyclospora. Good hand hygiene and safe food handling remain the most effective prevention measures.
Reporting Requirements
Cyclospora infection is a reportable disease in New York State.
Health care providers must report suspected or confirmed cases to the local health department where the patient resides. New York City providers should report cases through the NYC Health Department’s PRISM system (preferred), the Provider Access Line (866-692-3641), or by submitting a Universal Reporting Form.
Patient and Caregiver Education
Providers should encourage patients and caregivers to practice safe fruit and vegetable handling:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling produce.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or preparing them.
- Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Remove damaged or bruised portions of produce before eating.
- Refrigerate cut or peeled fruits and vegetables promptly.
- Separate fresh produce from raw meat, poultry, and seafood during storage and preparation.
- Cook foods when appropriate. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
Additional Resources
New York State Department of Health: Cyclospora Infection
New York City Health Department: Cyclospora Infection
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact your LHD or the NYSDOH Bureau of Communicable Disease Control at (518) 473-4439 or via email at bcdc@health.ny.gov. In NYC, please call 311.
