Cyclosporiasis on the Rise: What Pharmacists Need to Know

Program Description

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is typically linked to contaminated fresh produce, resulting in a prolonged or relapsing course of watery diarrhea that can be difficult to distinguish from other causes of gastroenteritis. As one of the most significant foodborne illness outbreaks reported in the US in recent years, cyclosporiasis continues to pose a considerable public health burden in 2026. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole remains the treatment of choice, and updated public health guidance issued in response to the current 2026 multistate outbreak has strengthened recommendations for case identification, diagnostic testing, and clinical management. It is critical that pharmacists are able to recognize the risk factors and clinical presentation of cyclosporiasis, apply current treatment and prevention recommendations, and counsel patients in ways that support adherence and limit further transmission. This activity will review the epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of cyclosporiasis and highlight the public health response to the ongoing outbreak. Upon completion, pharmacists will be better equipped to identify suspected cases, support appropriate treatment, and reinforce prevention strategies through patient education.

Target audience: Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Health System Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist
Type of activity: Application
Release date: August 13, 2026
Expiration date: August 13, 2027
Learner level: Foundational
Time to complete activity: 0.75 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and risk factors associated with cyclosporiasis, including insights from the ongoing 2026 multistate outbreak
• Outline current evidence supporting the prevention and treatment of cyclosporiasis, including recent public health recommendations issued in response to the 2026 outbreak
• Apply pharmacist-led strategies for therapeutic management, patient counseling, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient outcomes and reduce disease transmission amid the current outbreak

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 0.75 contact hours (0.075 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-264-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through August 13, 2027.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Faculty

Timothy Gauthier, PharmD, BCIDP, has the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose: Consultant – GSK, Pfizer; Other Support - www.LearnAntibiotics.com and www.IDstewardship.com

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS, CHCP; Brynn Gilbert, PharmD; Emily Tyler; Brianna Winters; and Afton Woodward have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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