Cyclospora

You can get a cyclospora infection from drinking unclean water or eating food that has been contaminated, not been cooked thoroughly or washed with clean water.

Cyclospora is a common parasite found in parts of:

• Central and South America
• south and southeast Asia
• the Middle East
• Africa

You cannot catch it from close contact with someone who has it.

If you're travelling to an area where cyclospora is found, there are things you can do to reduce the chances of getting it.

• wash your hands with soap and clean water or alcohol hand gel regularly

• only drink bottled, boiled or purified water

• only drink pasteurised dairy products such as milk and yoghurt that are sealed

• only eat food that has been cooked thoroughly

• only eat fruit you can peel yourself, such as bananas or oranges

• only have drinks from cans or bottles with intact seals – hot drinks made with boiling water are usually safe

• do not eat fruits, salads or raw vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water

• do not have ice in your drinks

• do not drink tap water or use it to clean your teeth

Not everyone with cyclospora gets symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually start about a week after getting infected.

Symptoms of cyclospora include:

• diarrhoea
• loss of appetite and weight loss
• stomach cramps
• bloating and farting
• tiredness
• feeling sick
• muscle aches
• high temperature (fever)

Cyclospora usually gets better on its own within a few days or weeks. People with a weakened immune system may be at higher risk of more severe symptoms. Make sure you have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Sometimes you may be asked to provide a sample of poo (stool sample) so it can be checked for cyclospora.

If your symptoms are severe or do not go away, you may need antibiotics.

Diarrhoea is the main symptom of cyclospora. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, stomach cramps and bloating.

Cyclospora is spread in unclean water and food. It's found in tropical areas, such as parts of South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

You can lower your chances of getting cyclospora while travelling by washing your hands and making sure you do not eat or drink unclean water or food.

Cyclospora often gets better in a few days or weeks without treatment. If it’s severe or does not go away, you may need antibiotics.