US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak parasite that causes diarrhea cyclospora.
The outbreak involved 72 people as of Wednesday.
The Food and Drug Administration has not yet determined which products are linked to the diseases. Authorities did not say where the cases were. The Associated Press has requested more information from the FDA.
Federal officials said earlier this week they remain focused on the issue. Lettuce from Taylor Farms as a source separate, multistate epidemic. 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; mostly when the product is watered or washed with dirty water. When ingested, the parasite causes intestinal disease marked by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal and state health officials are investigating separate clusters of cyclospora illnesses, including one traced to Taylor Farms.
Food safety tips It involves washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill cyclospora, but soap and water are quite effective at doing so.
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