Federal health authorities are currently examining a new outbreak caused by the diarrhea-inducing parasite known as cyclospora.
As of Wednesday, the outbreak has affected 72 individuals.
The Food and Drug Administration has not yet determined which specific products are causing the illnesses, nor have they disclosed the locations of the reported cases.
In a Thursday email, the Department of Health and Human Services stated, “This is an active investigation, and officials are working together to determine the specific cause of illnesses in this cluster.”
Earlier in the week, federal officials indicated that they are still concentrating on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the potential source of a separate, multistate outbreak. The company recently announced a recall of iceberg lettuce cultivated in central Mexico.
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that contaminates food through contact with human feces, often via irrigation or washing with tainted water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that when consumed, the parasite leads to intestinal sickness characterized by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.”
Both federal and state health agencies are probing different clusters of cyclospora-related illnesses, one of which has been traced back to Taylor Farms.
For food safety, it is recommended to wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before food preparation. Experts highlight that cooking can eliminate the parasite, and suggest cooking produce to a minimum of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).
— Laura Ungar
