Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite Cyclospora.
As of Wednesday, there were 72 people infected.
FDA continues to focus on lettuce suppliers as sources of parasites despite flawed test results
The Food and Drug Administration has not yet determined which products are linked to the illness. Authorities also have not disclosed the location of the infected person. The Associated Press has asked the FDA for more information.
Federal officials said earlier this week that they remained focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms, another source of outbreaks in multiple states. The company announced last week that it was recalling iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that comes into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. Ingesting the parasite causes an intestinal disease characterized by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal and state health officials are investigating separate clusters of Cyclospora disease, including one originating from the Taylor farm.
Food safety tips include washing your hands with soap and water after using the restroom and before handling food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers cannot kill Cyclospora, but soap and water are highly effective.
— Laura Unger
