We do not know how foods might get contaminated with Cyclospora , nor do we know if animals carry it. In fact, the parasite does not become infectious until days to weeks later. Therefore, transmission of Cyclospora directly from an infected person to someone else is unlikely. Persons of all ages can get Cyclosporosis. Although travelers to tropical countries may be at increased risk, people can get infected in the United States and Canada.
Some evidence suggests that infection is most common in spring and summer.
Investigation of an outbreak in the eastern United States and Ontario, Canada in 1996, indicated an association between eating Guatemalan raspberries and Cyclospora. Some persons notice flu-like symptoms before they notice cramps or diarrhea. Other germs can cause illness that is very similar to that caused by Cyclospora. Some persons infected with Cyclospora do not develop any symptoms. The length of time between becoming infected and developing symptoms probably averages at least several days and quite commonly is about a week.