Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak of cyclospora infections after 72 illnesses were reported, with investigators still working to identify the food product responsible for the cases.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Thursday that the investigation remains active and that federal agencies are working to determine the source of the outbreak. Officials have not disclosed where the illnesses have been reported, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not identified any specific food products linked to the infections.
“This is an active investigation, and officials are working together to determine the specific cause of illnesses in this cluster,” HHS said in an emailed statement.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with human feces. In the United States, outbreaks are most commonly linked to fresh produce contaminated during growing, harvesting or processing. The parasite causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis, which typically produces watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms generally begin about one week after exposure and, if left untreated, can persist for several weeks or longer and may recur.
Federal officials said the latest investigation is separate from another multistate cyclospora outbreak that public health authorities are also examining.
Separate Investigation Focuses on Recalled Lettuce
Earlier this week, federal officials said they continue to investigate shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as the suspected source of a separate cyclospora outbreak.
The company announced a voluntary recall of certain iceberg lettuce products grown in central Mexico after epidemiological evidence linked them to illnesses, although the FDA later said an earlier laboratory finding detecting the parasite in one lettuce sample was a false positive. Officials said the traceback investigation nevertheless continues to support the lettuce as the likely source of that separate outbreak.
Health authorities have not indicated whether the newly reported illnesses are connected to that recall or involve a different food source.
Because the investigation remains ongoing, officials have not released additional information about affected states, patient demographics or potential exposure locations.
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CDC Advises Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says healthcare providers should consider cyclospora infection in patients experiencing prolonged diarrheal illness, particularly because routine laboratory testing does not always include the parasite. Providers may need to specifically request testing for Cyclospora cayetanensis.
According to the CDC, the recommended treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), sold under brand names including Bactrim and Septra. Most healthy people eventually recover even without treatment, but illness can last from several days to more than a month and symptoms may return if left untreated. No vaccine is currently available.
Public Health Guidance
The CDC advises consumers to practice good hand hygiene after using the bathroom and before handling food. While washing fresh produce is an important food safety practice, routine rinsing alone may not completely remove Cyclospora parasites from contaminated produce. Cooking food to an internal temperature of at least 158°F (70°C) can destroy the parasite.
Federal and state investigators said the investigation will continue as they work to identify the contaminated food source, trace its distribution and determine how the latest outbreak occurred.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
