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Federal health authorities are investigating a new outbreak linked to the cyclospora parasite, which causes acute episodes of diarrhea.
The new outbreak had affected at least 72 people as of Wednesday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet identified which products are linked to the outbreak. Authorities have also not indicated where the cases are located.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and authorities are working together to determine the specific cause of the illnesses in this cluster,” the Department of Health and Human Services noted in an email.
Federal authorities indicated this week that they remained focused on Taylor Farms lettuce as the source of a separate outbreak that affected several states. The company announced the recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico last week.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food that has been in contact with human feces, usually when agricultural products have been irrigated or washed with contaminated water. Upon ingestion, the parasite causes an illness characterized by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Federal and state health authorities have been investigating separate clusters of cyclospora cases, including the one traced to Taylor Farms.
To prevent the illness, food safety authorities recommend washing hands with soap and water after using the restroom and before handling food. Experts note that cooking can kill the parasite and recommend cooking vegetables to a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit).
[Publicidad]