The Puerto Rico Department of Health reported a case of cyclosporiasis, but it was an international traveler who did not contract the illness on the island and has already been treated, according to Miriam Ramos, the agency’s principal epidemiologist. The case is not associated with the current outbreak in the US, which has affected 34 states and resulted in over 1,644 confirmed cases, 94 hospitalizations, and 5,000 additional cases under investigation.
The Department of Health is maintaining vigilance through its water and foodborne disease surveillance system. Dr. Julián Rivera, coordinator of Food and Waterborne Diseases, stated that they are monitoring any possible confirmed cases, which typically begin with an emergency room visit. The cyclosporiasis infection is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and can cause sudden episodes of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, nausea, and weight loss.
The Department of Health is obligated to report any laboratory-confirmed cases under administrative order 597.