I got the diarrhea parasite Cyclospora after a work lunch. These were my tell-tale symptoms.
A New York City attorney shares his experience contracting the Cyclospora parasite, likely from contaminated lettuce, during a recent U.S. outbreak. He details the debilitating symptoms and emphasizes the need for better public health awareness regarding food safety.
Why it matters
Personal accounts of foodborne illnesses help raise public awareness about outbreaks and the importance of food supply chain safety.
A 43-year-old lawyer was diagnosed with a cyclospora infection after two weeks of debilitating symptoms, including loss of appetite, stomach pain, and intermittent watery diarrhea. courtesy of Chase Strangio A man in New York City contracted the cyclospora parasite in May, after eating chopped lettuce. He experienced 10 days of watery diarrhea, severe indigestion, and stomach pain, with no appetite. Lettuce has been identified as a potential source of the outbreak. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chase Strangio, a 43-year-old attorney from New York City who recently tested positive for the cyclospora parasite. It's been edited for length and clarity. I am not someone who normally skips dinner; I love food. But on a busy Wednesday evening in late May, I just couldn't bring myself to eat anything. I had no idea at that time that I had become a victim of the mysterious U.S.
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