New Jersey Cyclosporiasis Case Report

People can become infected with Cyclospora when consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, with an increased risk of the infection when living or traveling in countries where cyclosporiasis is endemic. Symptoms can include diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, stomach cramps, loss of appetite or flu-like symptoms. The New Jersey Cyclosporiasis Case Report app is part of a surveillance program for patients with Cyclospora. With the app, a health interviewer will include patient information and health data, symptoms reported and any travel or events that may have exposed the patient to the illness. Next, the app includes an extensive checklist of food sources that may have contaminated with Cyclospora Cayetanensis. For a variety of fruits and vegetables, the interviewer will try and ascertain specific product information and identify the date and place the food was consumed. The interviewer will identify any others with the illness that may be connected with the case. This app is an essential tool for identifying food contaminated with Cyclospora for disease control and prevention of foodborne illness.