Stomach Bug Won’t Go Away? It Might Be Cyclosporiasis

Should you be tuning into the news this summer, you’ve probably learned about a highly severe stomach bug bringing many patients into urgent care: Cyclosporiasis.

If you haven’t heard of it, Cyclosporiasis is a parasite that shows up every summer, and it’s been increasing in recent years. This summer, we’ve been seeing more and more patients walking in with a frustrating set of symptoms: diarrhea that’s stuck around for days, along with nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. When these complaints linger longer than a typical stomach bug, it often points to an illness like cyclosporiasis.

Because these symptoms overlap with other issues, it is helpful to know what to look out for and when to seek medical care.

What is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. While the name sounds intimidating, the reality is highly manageable. It spreads by ingesting contaminated food or water – most often fresh produce.

Fortunately, unlike most stomach bugs, it does not spread from person to person. You won’t catch it just by visiting a clinic or picking it up from a coworker. Even at home, if one person gets sick, the rest of the household isn’t going to catch it directly from them.

Symptoms to Watch For

Most run-of-the-mill stomach bugs clear up on their own in a day or two. Cyclosporiasis tends to linger, which is usually the tip-off that it’s something else. The most common pattern of symptoms includes:

• Watery diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of days
• Stomach cramps and abdominal bloating
• Nausea, vomiting, or a sudden loss of appetite
• Fatigue, occasionally accompanied by a low-grade fever

How We Can Help

If you have been dealing with these lingering symptoms, you don’t have to tough it out at home. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics, so we encourage you to come in and discuss treatment with one of our providers. Our team can evaluate your symptoms, confirm your diagnosis, and prescribe the appropriate medication to clear the infection.

When to Come In

If diarrhea, cramping, nausea, or vomiting has hung on for more than a day or two, stop by your local urgent care clinic or check in online. The sooner a provider evaluates you, the sooner we can help you get back on your feet.