Introduction

Cyclospora is an infection of the bowel caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. It is usually caught from eating raw fruit and vegetables contaminated with human faeces (poo). Traveller's diarrhoea , which can often be severe, is the most common symptom of cyclospora. Symptoms usuallyappear about a week after catching the parasite. Other symptoms can include: loss of appetite weight loss stomach cramps or pain bloating increased gas ( flatulence ) tiredness feeling sick (nausea) Less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache , fever and other flu-like symptoms . Although these symptoms are often unpleasant, cyclospora doesn't usually pose a serious threat to health and can be easily treated using antibiotics . Some people with cyclospora don't have any symptoms. These areusually peoplewho've grown up in a developing country and been previously exposed to the parasite.