The Georgia Department of Public Health has issued a warning about a microscopic parasite causing illness in northwest Georgia.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.

In the U.S., one of the most common ways of becoming infected with Cyclospora is by eating fresh produce that was grown outside the U.S. and contaminated.

Cyclosporiasis causes an illness that can result in prolonged gut distress.

Symptoms can include watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements that can last for weeks.

In severe cases, a Cyclospora infection can require hospitalization.

The Georgia Department of Health advises that anyone with diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, or other gastrointestinal symptoms lasting longer than several days speak to their healthcare provider.

If not treated, Cyclosporiasis can last a month or longer. Symptoms may go away and then return several times.

A healthcare provider can order testing to confirm the illness and then treat you with antibiotics.

People with a compromised immune system are most at risk for a serious infection.

Cyclosporiasis is not contagious and there is no evidence that it spreads from person to person.

Public health officials say their investigation is ongoing and they expect the number of cases to increase.

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