Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Cyclospora is continuing to make the headlines recently. The WTAX Morning Newswatch had Dr. Anna Richie, Clinical Director of Memorial Urgent Care as a guest to speak on the differences between cyclospora and cyclosporiasis, and what exactly doctors are looking for when being checked for this parasite.

“Cyclospora is a parasite. Cyclosporiasis would be if you have diarrhea. It’s a parasite, it’s not a worm, sometimes people think parasites are worms, contaminated food from feces, right? And a lot of it is coming from Mexico, from like Taylor Farms is one, but I think there’s like 6 different outbreaks kind of going on and maybe not all associated with Taylor Farms.”

Dr. Anna Richie goes onto explain, what the doctors look for and what the effects are.

“A lot of people come in for diarrhea, right? and a lot of times it’s viral, and still now it’s still mostly viral. 
We also worry about c. diff. That’s a very foul-smelling diarrhea, we also worry about E. coli and food contamination, but cyclosporas seems to be, because as a parasite, it might be delayed. You might have had your shredded lettuce, and it might be 2 weeks later that you’re experiencing it. 
So, it’s not going to be like with when we would think of food poisoning like the next morning. Yes, you’re on the toilet, you might have stomach cramps, maybe a low-grade fever, and maybe some nausea”