If you’ve been hearing about a stomach illness causing explosive diarrhea across the country, you’re not alone. Health officials are investigating an increase in Cyclospora infections—a foodborne parasite that can cause severe digestive symptoms lasting days or even weeks. Recent reports have also identified cases in Tennessee as part of the broader outbreak, making it important for residents to know the signs, symptoms, and when to seek medical care.
Unlike a typical 24-hour stomach bug, Cyclospora infections often linger much longer and usually require prescription treatment to fully resolve.
At Complete Health Partners, we offer testing for Cyclospora and other intestinal parasites as well as treatment to help you recover quickly.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. People usually become infected after eating fresh produce or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Outbreaks commonly occur during the warmer months and have previously been linked to foods such as:
- Bagged salads
- Lettuce
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Fresh berries
- Other raw fruits and vegetables
Current investigations suggest contaminated leafy greens may be contributing to this year’s increase in cases, although health officials have not confirmed a single source.
Unlike viruses that spread rapidly from person to person, Cyclospora generally spreads through contaminated food or water.
Cyclospora Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, although they can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days later.
The most common symptoms include:
- Explosive watery diarrhea
- Frequent bowel movements
- Severe stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Low-grade fever
One of the hallmarks of Cyclospora is that symptoms may improve for a few days before returning again. Without treatment, many people experience recurring diarrhea for several weeks.
How Is Cyclospora Diagnosed?
Cyclospora cannot usually be diagnosed based on symptoms alone.
Instead, healthcare providers often order specialized stool testing to look for the parasite. Not all routine stool cultures detect Cyclospora, so specific parasite testing may be needed.
At Complete Health Partners, we can help.
If you’re experiencing:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Severe or explosive diarrhea
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Symptoms after eating contaminated food
- Ongoing stomach cramps or dehydration
Our providers can evaluate your symptoms and order testing for Cyclospora and other intestinal parasites when appropriate.
Cyclospora Treatment
The good news is that Cyclospora is treatable.
The most commonly recommended treatment is a prescription antibiotic.. Most patients begin improving after starting treatment, although recovery times vary depending on how long they’ve been sick.
Your provider may also recommend:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Electrolyte replacement
- Rest
- Temporary dietary changes while your digestive system recovers
How to Prevent Cyclospora
Although it’s impossible to eliminate every risk, you can reduce your chances of infection by:
- Washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Rinsing lettuce before eating
- Washing herbs before cooking
- Soaking fruits and vegetables in white vinegar
- Avoiding untreated water while traveling
- Washing your hands before preparing food
- Keeping kitchen surfaces clean
- Cooking fresh produce
Keep in mind that washing produce may reduce risk but may not remove every parasite, especially during an outbreak. Cooking fresh produce is the most reliable way to kill Cyclospora.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
You should seek medical care if you have:
- Diarrhea lasting longer than 2–3 days
- Explosive diarrhea that isn’t improving
- Blood in your stool
- Signs of dehydration
- High fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms that improve but then return
- A weakened immune system
Early evaluation can help identify whether your symptoms are caused by Cyclospora or another illness and get you started on the appropriate treatment sooner.
Testing and Treatment at Complete Health Partners
If you’ve developed explosive diarrhea, persistent stomach cramps, or think you may have been exposed to contaminated food, Complete Health Partners is here to help.
Our providers can:
- Evaluate your symptoms
- Order testing for Cyclospora and other intestinal parasites
- Rule out other causes of severe diarrhea
- Prescribe treatment when appropriate
- Help prevent complications such as dehydration
With convenient urgent care locations, walk-in availability, and experienced medical providers, we make it easy to get answers when you need them most.
Schedule your Appointment here: https://completehealthpartners.com/nashville-urgent-care-walkin-clinic/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cyclospora cause explosive diarrhea?
Yes. One of the most common symptoms of Cyclospora is severe, watery diarrhea that many people describe as explosive diarrhea.
How long does Cyclospora last?
Without treatment, symptoms may continue for several weeks and can come and go over time. Prescription medication often shortens the illness.
Is Cyclospora contagious?
Cyclospora is not typically spread directly from one person to another. Most infections occur after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Can urgent care test for Cyclospora?
Yes. At Complete Health Partners, our providers can evaluate your symptoms and order testing for Cyclospora and other intestinal parasites when clinically appropriate.
Should I see a doctor for explosive diarrhea?
Yes. If your diarrhea is severe, lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or is accompanied by dehydration, fever, or significant abdominal pain, you should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Walk in today or book online for fast, convenient care.
Nashville Area Urgent Care Clinics
Nashville West Urgent Care Clinic
6749 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
629.203.7858
9am – 7pm, 7 days a week
Hendersonville Urgent Care Clinic
166 E Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.991.2855
8am – 6pm, Monday-Saturday