State confirms 4th case of cyclosporiasis in Hawaii-based military member

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the state’s fourth case of cyclosporiasis in a military member based in Hawaii who traveled internationally.

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Health officials said Friday that based on the person’s travel history, symptom onset and known incubation period, it is unknown if the infection was acquired in Hawaii or while traveling.

They said at this point in the investigation, there is no evidence the case changes the risk of cyclosporiasis in Hawaii, and the assessed risk of the infection to the public remains low.

This marks the fourth case of cyclosporiasis in Hawaii this year.

The first case involved a non-resident visitor whose infection was also acquired outside of Hawaii. The next two cases involved two Hawaii residents who traveled internationally.

What is cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Eggs of the parasite shed in the feces of infected persons must mature outside the host, in the environment, before they become infectious to another person. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks have most often been linked to certain fresh produce items. The illness is not typically spread directly from person to person.

Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or bloating, nausea, increased gas, fatigue and, less commonly, vomiting or low-grade fever. Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or longer and can come and go.

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The DOH routinely investigates reportable diseases to identify potential sources of infection and monitors for any signs of local transmission.

How to reduce your risk

The department said the public can help reduce their risk of cyclosporiasis by:

Seeking medical care if they experience prolonged or severe diarrhea, particularly after recent travel or eating fresh produce from an area associated with an outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is treatable with prescription antibiotics. Individuals experiencing persistent diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who suspect cyclosporiasis are encouraged to report cases to the DOH and submit appropriate specimens to commercial laboratories for testing.

The state health department said it will continue to monitor for additional cases and work closely with healthcare providers and public health partners to protect the health of Hawaii residents and visitors.

Click here for more information on cyclosporiasis from DOH’s Disease Outbreak Control Division website.

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