Cyclospora is spread by eating foods or drinking water contaminated with feces. Cyclosporiasis usually causes watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle aches, and low-grade fever. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times. Some infected persons may have few or no symptoms.
Symptoms usually appear about one week after infection.
Cyclosporiasis is diagnosed in the laboratory by examining stool samples using special stains. Patients with cyclosporiasis can be effectively treated with antibiotics. In addition, infected persons with diarrhea should rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoiding food or water that may be contaminated with feces may help prevent cyclosporiasis. When traveling to developing countries, persons should not eat foods such as fruits or vegetables that are not baked, boiled or peeled and avoid drinking untreated surface water.