Cyclospora parasite outbreak: America's 'Chief elder officer' has just shared how to protect yourself and your loved ones from 'explosive diarrhea'

A parasitic infection causing severe watery diarrhoea is spreading rapidly across the United States, affecting 31 states and raising concerns among health experts. Neal K. Shah, known as America’s ‘Chief Elder Officer’ and a prominent healthcare researcher focused on caregiving, has shared an advice through a detailed video to help families, especially the elderly, stay safe. In his widely viewed post and nearly 22-minute video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Shah explained the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated fresh produce.

What is Cyclospora and Why is it Spreading?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. Symptoms include explosive watery diarrhoea, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue that can last for weeks. The infection spreads mainly through food or water contaminated with the parasite, often traced to fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, or berries that are consumed raw.

Health authorities, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have recorded 843 lab-confirmed domestically acquired cases as of July 9, with 86 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported so far, but the elderly and people with weaker immunity are at higher risk of complications like dehydration.

How to protect yourself and your family

Public health experts, echoing the advice caregivers like Shah are amplifying, recommend the following:

1. Cook or heat produce when possible Cyclospora's tough outer shell makes it resistant to regular washing, so Shah recommends heating fruits and vegetables to at least 158°F (70°C) whenever possible to kill the parasite.
2. Wash, peel and be selective with produce thoroughly wash leafy greens, herbs (basil, cilantro), berries and snow peas, which have historically been linked to outbreaks; peel fruits when feasible, opt for cooked or frozen produce during peak outbreak season, and be extra cautious with pre-cut or bagged salads, since washing alone doesn't always remove the parasite completely.
3. Maintain strict hand hygiene after handling raw produce or gardening.
4. Watch for warning signs sudden watery diarrhoea, frequent "explosive" bowel movements, cramping, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue that doesn't improve after a few days. Symptoms can also relapse even after you start feeling better, so don't drop precautions too early.
5. Stay hydrated if symptoms appear, since prolonged diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration, particularly dangerous for older adults and young children.
6. Seek timely medical help consult a doctor immediately if diarrhoea persists, and specifically ask about Cyclospora testing. Because the infection is relatively rare, doctors have to specifically request a Cyclospora stain test to detect it, it isn't part of most standard stool test panels. Antibiotics are effective in most cases, but early intervention matters most for high-risk groups, very young children, elderly patients, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to face complications and should be tested sooner rather than later.
7. Extra caution for travellers and NRIs with global supply chains, awareness matters even in India; those importing or consuming US-origin produce should follow the same precautions.

Stay Informed and Safe

As the outbreak unfolds, experts advise monitoring official updates from the CDC and local health bodies. For Indian audiences with family in the US, sharing this guidance can help safeguard loved ones. Simple precautions today can prevent major discomfort tomorrow.