Cyclospora in Children: Symptoms, Causes & When to Call Your Pediatrician
Watery diarrhea is common in children and is often caused by a viral stomach bug that improves within a few days. But if your child's diarrhea lasts for a week or longer, especially during the summer or after travel, another infection called Cyclospora may be the cause.
Recent outbreaks across several states have increased awareness of this parasite, making it important for parents to recognize the symptoms and know when to seek medical care.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. Children usually become infected after eating contaminated fresh produce or drinking contaminated water.
Unlike many stomach viruses, Cyclospora is not easily spread from one person directly to another. The parasite must spend time in the environment before it becomes infectious.
What are the symptoms?
The hallmark symptom is prolonged watery diarrhea.
Your child may also develop:
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Excess gas
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Low-grade fever
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
One clue that helps distinguish Cyclospora from many common stomach viruses is that symptoms often improve, then return days or weeks later.
How do children get infected?
Most infections occur after eating contaminated foods such as:
- Fresh leafy greens
- Herbs like cilantro or basil
- Berries
- Other fresh fruits and vegetables
Children can also become infected while traveling to areas where Cyclospora is more common.
When should parents suspect Cyclospora?
Most viral stomach illnesses resolve within several days.
Cyclospora should be considered if your child has:
- Watery diarrhea lasting more than a week
- Diarrhea that seems to improve but then returns
- Persistent fatigue with diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recent travel or possible exposure to contaminated produce
How is it diagnosed?
Your pediatrician may recommend a stool test to look for the parasite. Because Cyclospora can be difficult to detect, specialized testing—or occasionally more than one stool sample—may be needed.
Is there treatment?
Yes.
Cyclospora is usually treated with an antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Most children take the medication for 7–10 days, although some children with weakened immune systems may require longer treatment.
Just as important, children should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration while recovering.
When should I call my pediatrician?
Contact your child's healthcare provider if your child has:
- Diarrhea lasting more than a few days
- Severe or persistent watery diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, lethargy)
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent vomiting
- Fever with diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Symptoms that improve but then return
Seek emergency care immediately if your child cannot keep fluids down, is difficult to wake, or shows signs of severe dehydration.
Can Cyclospora be prevented?
While no prevention method is perfect, families can reduce their risk by:
- Washing hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food.
- Rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Scrubbing firm produce such as melons and cucumbers.
- Refrigerating cut produce promptly.
- Drinking safe water, especially while traveling.
Although washing produce may not completely eliminate Cyclospora, it remains an important part of food safety.
The Bottom Line
Most cases of diarrhea in children are caused by viruses and improve within a few days. However, persistent watery diarrhea that lasts for weeks—or repeatedly comes back—deserves medical evaluation.
Cyclospora is uncommon but treatable. Early diagnosis can shorten the illness and help your child recover more quickly.
If your child has ongoing diarrhea or you're concerned about dehydration, contact Priority Care Pediatrics. We're here to help determine the cause and get your child feeling better.
