Cyclospora and Foodborne Illness: What You Need to Know About?

Cyclospora and Foodborne Illness: What You Need to Know We’re talking about gastrointestinal health today, following reports of a significant Cyclospora outbreak in the United States linked to recalled iceberg lettuce. Cyclospora is not a virus or a bacterium. It is a microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, particularly after consuming contaminated food or water. So, before everyone becomes worried about eating salads, is this outbreak limited to the United States, or have there been any indications of cases elsewhere? At present, the reported outbreak has been associated with multiple U.S. states, with thousands of confirmed cases, hospital admissions, and reported deaths. The investigation traced the outbreak primarily to iceberg lettuce sourced from a farm in central Mexico, which led health authorities to take action and issue recalls. Fortunately, there are currently no reported cases linked to this outbreak here in the UAE. However, local health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. So, what exactly is Cyclospora, and how is it different from the viruses and bacteria that commonly cause food poisoning? Cyclospora is a parasite a type of protozoan. When someone develops gastroenteritis or food poisoning, the cause may be a virus, bacterium, or parasite. Cyclospora belongs to the parasitic group. It is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, usually by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. However, there is an important difference compared with many other gastrointestinal infections. The parasite is initially passed in the stool in an immature form. It needs time—typically around one to two weeks in the environment—to become infectious. This means that direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely. A person generally becomes infected by consuming contaminated food or water after the parasite has had enough time to mature. 🏥 Learn More About Fakeeh Health Group: (Fakeeh University Hospital | Fakeeh Medicentres | Fakeeh Smart Clinic | Fakeeh Daysurge | Fakeeh Pharmacy) https://www.fakeeh.health/ 👍 Like us on social media   / fakeehuniversityhospital     / fakeehhealth   📍 Our Locations: Dubai Silicon Oasis | Motor City | Al Furjan | Jumeirah Park | Dubai Mall | DAFZA