--- title: What is Cyclospora? date: 2026-07-05T09:56:00-07:00 author: Bill Marler canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/what-is-cyclospora" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / [Firm News](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/firm-news) / # What is Cyclospora? ***Cyclospora*** *Cyclospora* is a parasite, not a bacterium, and it behaves like one—causing a prolonged, relapsing illness that can drag on for weeks. It is usually traced to fresh imported produce, and because it is hardy, ordinary washing does not reliably remove it. [Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm](https://marlerclark.com/), is the nation’s leading firm representing victims of [*Cyclospora*](https://about-cyclospora.com/) outbreaks. Our [*Cyclospora* attorneys](https://marlerclark.com/food-litigation/cyclospora-outbreak-litigation) have represented victims in the only U.S. law practice devoted exclusively to foodborne illness, which has recovered more than $850 million for victims and families nationwide. We have litigated [*Cyclospora*](https://about-cyclospora.com/) cases traced to basil, bagged salad, snap peas, and other fresh produce, including the large 2018 outbreaks linked to McDonald’s salads and Del Monte vegetable trays. If you or a family member became ill with a [*Cyclospora*](https://about-cyclospora.com/) infection after eating contaminated food, contact the Marler Clark [*Cyclospora*](https://about-cyclospora.com/) attorneys for a free case evaluation. **FAQ** **What is *Cyclospora*?** *Cyclospora* is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a prolonged, relapsing intestinal illness that can last for weeks. It usually spreads through fresh imported produce, and because it is hardy, ordinary washing does not reliably remove it. **What foods cause *Cyclospora* outbreaks?** Fresh produce is the usual source—basil, cilantro, bagged salad, snap peas, and pre-packaged vegetable trays have all been implicated, often when imported. **What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?** Watery diarrhea that comes and goes, fatigue, loss of appetite, cramping, and weight loss. Untreated, symptoms can persist or relapse for weeks. **How is it treated?** Cyclosporiasis usually requires a specific antibiotic—not the standard treatment for other diarrheal illnesses—so an accurate diagnosis matters. Ask your doctor about testing for parasites. **Can I sue for a *Cyclospora* infection?** If your illness is tied to a contaminated produce item or a recognized outbreak, you may have a product-liability claim against the grower, importer, or seller. **Additional Resources:** - • [About *Cyclospora*](https://about-cyclospora.com/) — a complete online resource on *Cyclospora* infection ### Other Cyclospora Lawsuits [Fresh Express Bagged Lettuce Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/bagged-lettuce-sold-by-aldi-hy-vee-and-jewel-osco-grocery-stores-recalled-after-cyclospora-outbreak) [Cyclospora Tainted Cilantro Sickens 495 in United Sates](https://marlerclark.com/cyclospora-tainted-cilantro-sickens-457-in-united-sates) [Nationwide Cyclospora Outbreak: Iowa & Nebraska Cases Linked to Bagged Salad, Cilantro](https://marlerclark.com/cyclospora-outbreak-in-midwest-linked-to-fresh-produce) ### Lawsuit updates about foodborne illnesses [Reactive Arthritis Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=reactive-arthritis&year=all) [E. coli Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=e-coli&year=all) [Guillain-Barre Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=guillain-barre-syndrome&year=all) [Salmonella Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=salmonella&year=all) [Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=hemolytic-uremic-syndrome&year=all) [Listeria Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=listeria&year=all) [Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=irritable-bowel-syndrome&year=all) [Hepatitis A Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=hepatitis-a&year=all) [Norovirus Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=norovirus&year=all) [Botulism Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=botulism&year=all) [Campylobacter Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=campylobacter&year=all) [Shigella Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=shigella&year=all) [Cyclospora Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=cyclospora&year=all) ### Lawsuits updates by year [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 1998](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=1998) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 1999](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=1999) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2000](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2000) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2001](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2001) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2002](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2002) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2003](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2003) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2004](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2004) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2005](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2005) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2006](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2006) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2007](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2007) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2008](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2008) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2009](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2009) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2010](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2010) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2011](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2011) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2012](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2012) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2013](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2013) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2014](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2014) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2015](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2015) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2016](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2016) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2017](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2017) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2018](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2018) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2019](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2019) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2020](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2020) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2021](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2021) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2022](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2022) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2023](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2023) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2024](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2024) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2025](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2025) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2026](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2026) ##### Get Help #### Affected by an outbreak or recall? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ Get a free consultation ](https://marlerclark.com/contact) ##### Related Resources ###### [Cyclospora Food Poisoning](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/cyclospora/what-is-cyclospora) What is Cyclospora cayetanensis? Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular, microscopic parasite that can cause food- or water-related gastrointestinal illness. The oocyst form of the parasite is chlorine-resistant and must sporulate... ###### [Epidemiology of Cyclospora](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/cyclospora/epidemiology-of-cyclospora) Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is transmissible by ingestion of food or water contaminated with sporulated oocysts. Most cases of cyclosporiasis occur... ###### [Cyclospora’s Mode of Infection](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/cyclospora/cyclosporas-mode-of-infection) The modes of transmission of C. cayetanensis are still not completely understood. Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely because the oocysts are not infectious when initially shed (unlike Cryptosporidium, another foodborne... ###### [Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/cyclospora/symptoms-of-cyclospora-infection) What are the typical symptoms of Cyclospora infection? Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, flatulence, loss of appetite, nausea, low-grade... ###### [How is Cyclospora Diagnosed?](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/cyclospora/how-is-cyclospora-diagnosed) Cyclosporiasis is usually diagnosed symptomatically in clinical settings, including the presence of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and bloating. In untreated, immunocompetent people, the diarrhea can last from days to weeks... ##### Outbreak Database #### Looking for a comprehensive list of outbreaks? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ View Outbreak Database ](https://outbreakdatabase.com)