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New Cyclospora Outbreak Sickens Dozens
23 Jul
Summary
- Federal officials are investigating a new cyclospora parasite outbreak.
- The outbreak has affected 72 people as of Wednesday.
- The FDA has not identified products or locations linked to illnesses.
Federal health officials are actively investigating a new outbreak of cyclospora, a microscopic parasite known to cause intestinal illness. As of Wednesday, 72 individuals have been reported sick. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet pinpointed which products are linked to these infections, nor have they specified the locations where the cases are concentrated.
This current situation is distinct from a separate, ongoing multistate outbreak. Health authorities had previously focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms, which had recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. Cyclospora typically contaminates produce irrigated or washed with contaminated water, leading to symptoms like frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.
Health officials emphasize food safety practices, including thorough handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective against this parasite. Investigations into various cyclospora clusters by federal and state authorities continue.
