If you develop persistent diarrhoea that lasts several days or recurs, contact your doctor so that he or she can identify the cause and recommend treatment. If you’ve eaten a food that’s been recalled because of a Cyclospora outbreak or traveled in an area where parasites such as Cyclospora are common, be sure to tell your doctor.
If you experience dehydration due to diarrhoea, see your doctor.
Warning signs of dehydration include:
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Reduced production of tears
- Decreased urine output
Traveler’s Risks
Those living or traveling in poorly developed areas in the tropics and subtropics may be at an increased risk of acquiring Cyclospora infections as they are identified as endemic areas.
In some regions infections tend to be more prevalent at certain times of the year, typically in late spring and summer. In addition, this time of year correlates with increased import of fruits and vegetables into the US from the more southern neighbours.
Consuming food or water while visiting developing countries is a well-documented way of developing traveler’s diarrhoea.
Holiday makers are often warned against such actions, but over 70 percent of certain produce items consumed in the US is imported from developing countries, making “traveler’s diarrhoea” possible without international travel.
Regions of Concern
The below regions have reported cases on endemic Cyclospora colonisation and travellers should be cautious of food and water:
- The Caribbean
- Central and South America
- Turkey
- the Indian subcontinent
- The Far East
There have been relatively few cases involving people holidaying in Africa.
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