US Cyclospora (diarrhea parasite) outbreak raises monsoon health concerns: Can India be at risk too?

The US CDC is tracking several Cyclospora cases across 18 US states this summer, with Michigan reporting the sharpest spike. The numbers out of the United States have climbed fast.

Federal health officials confirmed 145 domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases across 17 states between May 1 and June 16, with 20 people hospitalized. Cyclospora doesn't show up on routine stool tests, clinicians have to specifically request the right screening, and even then, patients may need to submit samples on more than one day before the parasite turns up.

What cyclospora actually does to the body

Dr. Devashish Desai, Consultant, Infectious Diseases at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explains it in plain terms.

"Cyclospora is a parasite that can make us very sick. It causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and we can feel tired and weak. We usually get it from eating contaminated fruits and vegetables."In past US outbreaks, the culprit produce has included cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas, and bagged salad mixes — fresh items eaten raw, exactly the kind of food where a quick rinse doesn't guarantee safety. The FDA itself notes that washing produce isn't reliably enough to remove the parasite once it's there.

So could this happen in India during monsoon?

That's the question Dr. Desai raises directly. "So we have to ask: can India get Cyclospora cases when it rains? The answer is yes. During the monsoon season in India, it can make it easy for Cyclospora and other germs to spread. The rain can make our drinking water and food contaminated. If we eat salads or herbs that are not clean or drink water that is not treated, we can get sick."Unlike a lot of stomach bugs that pass from one person to another, Cyclospora works differently, and that's worth understanding before panic sets in.

"Cyclospora is different from germs. It needs time to grow in the environment before it can make us sick. So we usually do not get it from another person. We get it from food and water. That is why we need to keep everything clean, from the farm to our kitchen." US health data backs this up — the parasite typically needs one to two weeks outside the body before it becomes infectious, which is exactly why contaminated produce, not close contact, drives outbreaks.

Who's most at risk, and when to see a doctor

Not everyone who gets exposed ends up seriously ill, but some groups need to be more careful. "Children, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe or prolonged illness," Dr. Desai says. And this isn't an illness to just wait out if it drags on. "If diarrhoea persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by dehydration or recurs after initial improvement, going to a doctor is necessary, as cyclosporiasis requires specific treatment and may not resolve completely without appropriate medication.

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How to stay safe

Prevention here isn't complicated, even if it takes some discipline during monsoon. "We can prevent Cyclospora by doing some things. We should drink water, wash our fruits and vegetables well and not eat raw food from dirty places. We should also wash our hands before eating or cooking. When we eat outside we need to be extra careful during the season."India hasn't reported a major documented cyclosporiasis outbreak the way the US has this summer. But Dr. Desai's closing point is really the whole story in one line. "Even though we do not hear about Cyclospora outbreaks in India a lot, we still need to be careful when it rains. We need to keep our food clean, drink water and wash our hands often. These are the ways to prevent Cyclospora."