Cyclospora
Overview
Cyclospora is an infection that causes diarrhoea. It's not found in the UK, but there's a risk of getting it while travelling in some parts of the world.
Symptoms
Not everyone with cyclospora gets symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually start about a week after getting infected. Symptoms of cyclospora include: diarrhoealoss of appetite and weight lossstomach crampsbloating and fartingtirednessfeeling sickmuscle acheshigh temperature (fever)
Treatment
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.
Prevention
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 wash your hands with soap and clean water or alcohol hand gel regularly only drink bottled, boiled or purified water only drink bottled, boiled or purified water only drink pasteurised dairy products such as milk and yoghurt that are sealed only drink pasteurised dairy products such as milk and yoghurt that are sealed only eat food that has been cooked thoroughly only eat food that has been cooked thoroughly only eat fruit you can peel yourself, such as bananas or oranges 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 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 eat fruits, salads or raw vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water do not have ice in your drinks do not have ice in your drinks do not drink tap water or use it to clean your teeth do not drink tap water or use it to clean your teeth