U.S. health officials investigate new outbreak of parasite cyclospora

Federal health officials in the United States are actively investigating a newly identified outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite known to cause intestinal illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 72 cases linked to this outbreak as of Wednesday.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not pinpointed the exact food products or geographic locations associated with these illnesses. The Associated Press has formally requested further information from the FDA regarding the ongoing investigation.

This investigation is separate from a previously identified multistate outbreak linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms. The company had announced a recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico in response to that earlier outbreak. Cyclospora typically contaminates produce through contact with human feces, often during irrigation or washing with contaminated water.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. Health authorities advise thorough hand washing and cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 Celsius) to kill the parasite. The FDA's ongoing efforts aim to identify the source to prevent further spread.