Cyclospora infections draw attention to parasite tied to severe diarrhea
The Verge reported cases of cyclosporiasis across the U.S., including a Michigan man who said symptoms sent him racing toward urgent care.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
2 min read
A parasitic illness marked by severe diarrhea is infecting people across the United States, according to The Verge. The report focused on cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, and why its symptoms can quickly disrupt daily life.
The Verge described the experience of Bryan, a Michigan food broker who asked that his last name not be used because of the personal nature of the illness. Bryan told the outlet he began feeling unwell on a Thursday, and by Saturday he needed to use the bathroom every 15 to 30 minutes.
“It’s no joke about the explosive diarrhea,” Bryan told The Verge. The outlet said it found him through Reddit while reviewing discussion threads about cyclosporiasis and the parasite that causes it.
According to The Verge, Cyclospora cayetanensis spreads through contamination with human feces. The report identified nausea among the symptoms listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and described the illness as an explosive diarrhea disease.
Bryan’s account showed how quickly the illness can become urgent. The Verge reported that he was unsure whether he could reach urgent care in time once his symptoms intensified.
The report did not publish Bryan’s full name. It also did not provide additional details in the available excerpt about the scale of the infections, where else cases have been reported, or what officials have linked them to.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.