WHAT GEORGIA PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Georgia health officials are warning families about cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora. Cases have been reported in Georgia as part of a larger increase occurring across the United States. Cyclospora is usually spread when someone consumes food or water contaminated with the parasite. Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens have been linked to outbreaks in previous years, but health officials have not identified a specific product responsible for the current outbreak.
Parents do not need to panic or stop serving fresh produce. However, knowing the symptoms and practicing careful food handling can help families respond appropriately if a child becomes sick.
WHAT IS CYCLOSPORIASIS?
Cyclosporiasis is an infection of the intestines. Unlike common stomach viruses that often improve within a few days, cyclosporiasis may cause symptoms that continue for weeks. Symptoms can also appear to improve and then return.
The illness does not usually spread directly from one person to another. After Cyclospora leaves the body in stool, the parasite generally needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious. People most often become ill after consuming contaminated food or water.
SYMPTOMS PARENTS MAY NOTICE
The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Children may also experience stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, reduced appetite, fatigue, or weight loss. Some children may have increased gas, and a mild fever can occur.
Symptoms generally do not begin immediately after exposure. They may appear about a week later, although the timing can vary. This delay can make it difficult for families to determine which food or exposure may have caused the illness.
Parents should pay particular attention to hydration. Ongoing diarrhea can cause children to lose fluids and electrolytes more quickly than expected, especially during hot Georgia weather.
SIGNS OF POSSIBLE DEHYDRATION
A child who is becoming dehydrated may urinate less often, have a dry mouth, cry with few or no tears, or seem unusually sleepy or weak. Older children may complain of dizziness, headache, or feeling lightheaded when standing.
Parents should seek prompt medical guidance if a child cannot keep fluids down, has persistent diarrhea, becomes increasingly weak, or shows signs of dehydration. Breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty waking a child requires urgent medical attention.
HOW FAMILIES CAN REDUCE THEIR RISK
Georgia health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water before preparing food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets. Kitchen counters, utensils, and cutting boards should also be cleaned before and after preparing produce.
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly under running water before they are cut, cooked, or eaten. Firm produce can be scrubbed with a clean produce brush, and damaged or bruised areas should be removed.
Washing produce can reduce dirt and some contamination, but it cannot guarantee that Cyclospora has been completely removed. Families should continue following updates from the Georgia Department of Public Health, CDC, and FDA in case a specific product is identified.
WHEN SHOULD PARENTS CONTACT A PEDIATRICIAN?
Parents should consider contacting a pediatric provider if watery diarrhea lasts more than a few days, repeatedly returns, or is accompanied by worsening fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, fever, or stomach pain.
A provider may ask about recent foods, travel, restaurant meals, produce purchases, and other household illnesses. Because routine testing does not always include Cyclospora, sharing concerns about the current outbreak may help the provider determine whether specific stool testing or an in-person evaluation is appropriate.
Parents should not give children leftover prescriptions or someone else’s medication. Testing and treatment decisions should be made by a qualified healthcare provider based on the child’s symptoms and medical history.
HOW PEDIATRIC TELEHEALTH CAN HELP
A telehealth visit can be a useful first step when a child has ongoing diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, or possible exposure to a foodborne illness. From home, parents can describe the child’s symptoms, how long they have lasted, whether the child is drinking and urinating normally, and what foods or travel may be relevant.
The pediatric provider can help assess dehydration risk, explain what symptoms to monitor, and determine whether the child needs stool testing, an in-person examination, urgent care, or emergency treatment.
Learn more about Hall Pediatrics telehealth services:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS CYCLOSPORIASIS?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. It is most often associated with contaminated food or water.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN?
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom. Children may also experience stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, poor appetite, fatigue, gas, weight loss, or a mild fever.
CAN CYCLOSPORIASIS SPREAD FROM ONE CHILD TO ANOTHER?
Direct person-to-person spread is considered unlikely because the parasite generally needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious.
HAS A SPECIFIC FOOD BEEN IDENTIFIED?
At the time of publication, health officials had not identified a specific product, brand, grower, supplier, restaurant, or retailer as the source of the current outbreak.
CAN TELEHEALTH HELP WITH POSSIBLE CYCLOSPORIASIS?
Yes. A telehealth visit can help parents review symptoms, assess possible dehydration, and determine whether testing or in-person care may be needed.
TALK TO HALL PEDIATRICS FROM HOME
If your child has persistent diarrhea, stomach cramps, unusual fatigue, or other symptoms that may be related to cyclosporiasis, contact Hall Pediatrics for guidance.
Families throughout Georgia can schedule pediatric telehealth visits without switching pediatricians or becoming established patients first. Hall Pediatrics accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid.
Call 912-369-5437Â to schedule a telehealth visit.