The intestinal illness, which is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora, typically sees a rise in case counts during the warmer spring and summer months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates May 1 through August 31 as the primary Cyclosporiasis season.
Despite a significant spike in cases nationwide—which has prompted a federal investigation into a multistate outbreak—state health officials confirm that South Carolina is not part of the active multistate outbreak. DPH is not currently investigating any localized outbreaks of the illness, though active surveillance remains ongoing.
As of July 13, more than 400 people infected with Cyclosporiasis have been reported to CDC from 4 states in connection with this multistate outbreak: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
South Carolina Case Counts by the Numbers
Of the 16 cases reported statewide, the vast majority have emerged during the summer season:
Cases by Month
- January: 1 case
- June: 5 cases
- July: 10 cases
Regional Breakdown
- Upstate: 8 cases
- Lowcountry: 5 cases
- Midlands: 2 cases
- Pee Dee: 1 case
At the county level, Charleston County currently accounts for five of the state's total cases. Anderson, Richland, Lexington, Greenville, Spartanburg, Oconee, and Horry counties have each reported fewer than five cases. DPH suppresses exact figures below five in smaller geographic areas to protect patient privacy.
Symptoms and How the Parasite Spreads
People typically contract Cyclosporiasis by consuming food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Most cases have commonly been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as fresh herbs, berries, and leafy greens.
Because the parasite requires one to two weeks in the environment to become infectious after leaving the body, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and are characterized by:
- Frequent, watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach cramps, bloating, and increased gas
- Nausea and fatigue
While the illness is not typically life-threatening, it can persist for weeks or even months if left untreated. It is easily treated with standard antibiotics, and anyone experiencing severe or prolonged diarrheal symptoms is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
Prevention Tips
To minimize the risk of contracting Cyclosporiasis and other foodborne or diarrheal illnesses, public health officials recommend the following safety steps:
- Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water regularly, especially before and after preparing or handling food.
- Rinse Before Peeling: Always wash fruits and vegetables under plain running water before eating, cutting, or even peeling them to prevent transferring bacteria from the outer skin to the inside.
- Avoid Untreated Water: Do not drink untreated water from lakes, streams, or shallow wells.
- Avoid Traveling To Infected Areas: If you are traveling to areas where Cyclosporiasis is endemic (such as tropical and subtropical regions), it's important to know that standard chemical disinfection, or sanitization of food or water, is unlikely to eliminate the risk of Cyclospora.
