Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis

For Everyone

Key points

  • Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of cyclosporiasis.
  • Cyclosporiasis symptoms can be different from person to person.
  • Symptoms usually begin about one week after becoming infected.
  • See a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis.
Person sitting on a toilet holding a roll of toilet paper

Signs and symptoms

Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms.

 Although most healthy people with cyclosporiasis recover on their own, symptoms may be more severe and last longer without treatment. If you have symptoms, stay well-hydrated.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually begin about one week after becoming infected with the Cyclospora parasite (ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks or more).

Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, but it can make some people very sick. Children, people with weakened immune systems, and older people may experience more severe illness or complications from severe dehydration.

Without treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. Some symptoms like diarrhea may go away and then return. Other symptoms like fatigue may continue after gastrointestinal symptoms go away.

Common symptoms
  • Watery diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Cramping
  • Bloating
  • Increased gas
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
Less common symptoms
  • Vomiting
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Low-grade fever
Content Source
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: September 11, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: September 11, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.