Controlling Spread of Cyclospora

Table of Contents

A. Isolation and Quarantine Requirements  

Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora infection) is not identified as a quarantinable disease under Iowa Administrative Code. The following guidelines are recommended.

Minimum Period of Isolation of Patient

Food handlers with confirmed Cyclospora infection should be excluded from work. After diarrhea has resolved, food handlers may only return to work after instruction on proper handwashing technique.

Minimum Period of Isolation of Contacts

Contacts with diarrhea who are food handlers shall be considered the same as a case and handled in the same fashion. No restrictions otherwise.

Note: A food handler is any person directly handling or preparing food.

B. Protection of Contacts of a Case

None.

C. Preventive Measures

Personal Preventive Measures/Education

To avoid infection with Cyclospora, recommend that individuals:

  • Avoid drinking un-boiled or untreated water when hiking, traveling in developing countries or wherever the water quality is unknown. Bringing water to a full, rolling boil is sufficient to kill Cyclospora.
  • Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables prior to consumption, but this may not eliminate the risk entirely.

Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Revised 7/15