Symptoms of Cyclospora
Symptoms of Cyclospora infection generally begin about a week after ingesting contaminated food or water. In many cases, Cyclospora causes intermittent or prolonged gastrointestinal issues, particularly diarrhoea that can persist for days or weeks without treatment.
Primary Symptoms
Watery diarrhoea: The most common and consistent symptom, often severe and sudden in onset
Abdominal cramps: Mild to intense, usually in the lower abdomen
Nausea and vomiting: Vary in severity and frequency
Loss of appetite and weight loss: Due to poor nutrient absorption and reduced intake
Bloating and flatulence
Fatigue and malaise: Due to dehydration and loss of electrolytes
Additional or Atypical Symptoms | Symptoms of Cyclospora
Low-grade fever
Muscle aches
Headache
Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when dehydrated
Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms early on
Course of Illness
Cyclospora symptoms typically last:
Several days to a few weeks in healthy individuals
Longer and more severe in immunocompromised patients (e.g. those with HIV/AIDS, on chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive medications)
Symptoms may follow a relapsing-remitting pattern, temporarily improving before returning
Complications
Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to:
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalances
Nutrient malabsorption
Secondary infections in vulnerable populations
In Asymptomatic Cases
Some people infected with Cyclospora may remain asymptomatic, especially after minimal exposure. However, they can still pass oocysts in their stool, contributing to environmental spread if sanitation is poor.
In summary, symptoms of Cyclospora primarily involve gastrointestinal distress, notably prolonged diarrhoea and fatigue. Early recognition and prompt treatment reduce the risk of complications and aid faster recovery.
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