Reporting & Investigation of Cyclospora

Table of Contents

A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting

  • To identify transmission sources of public health concern (e.g., contaminated food or water) and to stop transmission from such sources.
  • To provide education about how to reduce the risk of infection. 

B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report. The preferred method of reporting is by utilizing the Iowa Disease Surveillance System (IDSS).  However, if IDSS is not available to your facility the reporting number for IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) is (800) 362-2736; fax number (515) 281-5698, mailing address:

Iowa HHS, CADE
Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Postage-paid disease reporting forms are available free of charge from the Iowa HHS clearinghouse. Call (319) 398-5133.

Laboratory Testing Services Available

The University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) provides ova and parasite testing of stool specimens for Cyclospora.  Submit specimens in 10% formalin.  Specimen collection kits are available from the SHL.  Contact the SHL at (319) 335-4500 for further instructions.

C. Local Public Health Agency Follow-up Responsibilities 

Case Investigation

Individual cases

Local public health agency will conduct followup.

Multiple cases/possible outbreak

If the number of reported cases of cyclosporiasis in a city/town is higher than usual, or if an  outbreak is suspected, an investigation is warranted to determine the source of infection and mode of transmission. A common vehicle, such as water or food, should be sought and applicable preventive or control measures should be instituted (e.g., removing an implicated food item from the environment). Consult with an epidemiologist at IDPH or contact your regional epidemiologist if an outbreak is suspected. CADE can help determine a course of action to prevent further cases and can perform surveillance for cases that may cross several town lines and therefore be difficult to identify at a local level.

  1. If a food or water source is suspect follow-up may include involvement of a representative of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau who are involved in enforcement of the Iowa Food Code.
  2. Institution of disease control measures is an integral part of case investigation. It is the LPHA responsibility to understand, and, if necessary, institute the control guidelines listed below in Section 3), Controlling Further Spread.