Passport, SPF... and Cyclospora? Here's How to Avoid the Worst Vacation Plot Twist

You packed the cutest swimsuits. You remembered the SPF. Your passport made it into your carry-on. But there was one travel companion nobody invited: a microscopic parasite named Cyclospora.

Let's be honest, vacation is supposed to leave you with memories, not stomach cramps.

Cyclosporiasis (try saying that three times fast) is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It's tiny enough to be invisible, but trust us, you'll know if it crashes your girls' trip. The parasite is usually picked up by eating contaminated fresh produce or drinking contaminated water, particularly while traveling in tropical or subtropical regions. In the United States, outbreaks have also been linked to fresh fruits and vegetables, proving that sometimes the prettiest salad can be the biggest plot twist.

Here's where the story gets interesting.

Unlike most germs, Cyclospora isn't spread because someone sneezed near your mimosa. In fact, person-to-person spread is extremely unlikely because the parasite needs one to two weeks outside the body before it becomes infectious. In other words, this parasite is surprisingly patient even if you aren't.

Symptoms usually show up two to 14 days after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Some people recover in a few days, while others experience symptoms that linger for weeks—or disappear only to stage an unwelcome comeback.The tricky part? Cyclospora isn't always easy to diagnose.

Routine stool tests may miss it, so your healthcare provider often has to specifically request testing, and sometimes multiple stool samples are needed before the parasite is detected. The good news is that it can be treated with prescription antibiotics, and staying hydrated is key while you're recovering.

So, what's a savvy traveler to do?

Wash fresh produce whenever possible, drink safe water, practice good food safety, and be mindful of where your meals come from especially when traveling abroad. While you shouldn't let fear keep you from ordering the local fruit plate or exploring a new destination, a little awareness can go a long way.

The best vacation souvenir is still a tan line, a camera roll full of questionable dance videos, and stories you'll laugh about for years not a parasite that overstays its welcome.

Travel smart, eat well, and may your only post-vacation complaint be that you wish you'd booked one more day by the pool.

About the Author

Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor-in-Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure, where she covers travel, entertainment, culture, and lifestyle. A Los Angeles native and Palm Springs resident for more than 20 years, she is an award-winning storyteller with over two decades of experience as a writer, live performer, storytelling producer, podcast host, and storytelling instructor. Ersilia is also a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who has taught nursing at four universities and is the creator and host of The Nurses and Hypochondriacs Podcast, where she combines medicine with the art of storytelling. Whether she's interviewing local celebrities, uncovering hidden desert gems, or writing about the latest girls' trip trends, her work blends humor, heart, and curiosity to create stories that connect with readers.