SHREVEPORT, La. - Cyclospora cases are on the rise across the ArkLaTex this summer, with health officials reporting infection numbers well above the average for this time of year.

Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The parasite infects humans and can lead to prolonged symptoms.

May through August is typically considered cyclospora season, with July often seeing the highest number of cases. This year, however, the number of infections is significantly higher than usual.

Dr. Mardeli Saire-Mendoza, a gastroenterologist with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Shreveport, said previous cyclospora outbreaks were often associated with imported produce. More recently, however, cases have also been linked to products grown in the United States.

Symptoms do not typically appear immediately. They often begin seven to 10 days after a person eats contaminated food, making it difficult to determine exactly where the infection originated.

Common symptoms include severe, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and fatigue. Vomiting is less common.

“It's severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and then fatigue,” Mendoza said. “It tends to linger. You may get better for a few days, and then it comes back.”

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of complications, particularly dehydration.

While investigators continue working to identify the source of the current outbreak, previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including fresh herbs and lettuce.

Health experts recommend thoroughly washing raw vegetables and avoiding produce that has already been cut or handled when possible.

Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea should seek medical care. Specialized gastrointestinal testing can confirm a Cyclospora infection, and treatment can significantly shorten the duration of the illness.