
Cyclospora illness could set off lasting gut problems
Cyclospora outbreaks linked to iceberg lettuce can cause explosive diarrhea and may trigger long-term gut issues such as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). A 2024 review found about 14.5% of people develop PI-IBS after acute gastroenteritis, likely due to immune system and gut microbiome changes. Treatments include peppermint oil, gut-targeted antibiotics like rifaximin, IBS medications, and for those with SIBO, glutamine or an elemental diet; roughly half recover without targeted therapy, though recovery can take months to years. Higher risk groups include women, people 60 and younger, those with mental-health conditions, and longer-lasting diarrhea.





