Some rapid-fire Cyclospora Q&As to get you through the weekend:
Unfortunately, yes. If you’re exposed again to Cyclospora, you can be re-infected - there’s no immunity after an infection.
Some people think that they’ve been re-infected when, in fact, untreated cyclosporiasis can last weeks or even months, with symptoms improving and then returning. If you or an employee you manage have recurring, severe, watery diarrhea, it’s a good idea to seek treatment. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics that help.
Sources: NYDOH, Harvard SPH
It’s a bit counterintuitive for those of us that aren’t medical experts, but it turns out that Cyclospora is treatable with a course of antibiotics. That’s because strong, broad-spectrum antibiotics like Bactrim disrupt its ability to make folic acid, which is needed for the parasite to replicate. Symptoms usually start to improve within a few days of starting antibiotics.
Sources: Stanford Med
Yes, even if your employees are exposed with very close contacts, like children or household members, they can continue to work as long as they have no symptoms. That’s because Cyclospora doesn’t typically spread from person to person because it takes time (one to two weeks) to become infectious after being passed in a bowel movement. But because household members often eat similar foods, it’s important that the employee keep an eye out for symptoms and stay home if they experience any diarrhea.
We recommend asking for a doctor’s note for any employees with lab-confirmed Cyclospora. Though there is little risk for person-to-person transmission anywhere, including the workplace, this is a situation that requires some delicacy, especially with how much news coverage there is right now. Making sure a doctor clears them to work in foodservice ensures they’ve received the medical care they need and covers you. If other employees express concern, you can tell them that a doctor cleared them to work in a restaurant setting. Of course, the employee in question should only return to work once they’re at least 48-hours symptom free, meaning they’ve had no diarrhea at all for two full days before they return, regardless of what their doctor’s note says. They should also monitor for recurring symptoms (which are relatively common with Cyclospora if untreated) and stay home if diarrhea or other symptoms start again.
Sources: ZHH, Iowa HHS, Mass DPH
We loved this nuanced take on the challenges of our current news media’s cycles of panic and confusion around public health. From hantavirus to cyclosporiasis, it can be hard to figure out the actual risk to you and your business amid all the chatter.