FDA reports new outbreak of explosive diarrhea with 72 cases identified - Ars Technica

What the report says

Ars Technica reported that the Food and Drug Administration has opened another investigation into Cyclospora, a foodborne parasite associated with severe watery diarrhea. The agency said 72 illnesses have been identified in the newly announced outbreak, but it has not disclosed where the patients are located, how the cases may be connected, or what food items are under review. Ars said the FDA indicated that traceback work is underway.

The new inquiry is the sixth Cyclospora outbreak investigation the FDA has launched this year. Citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures, Ars reported that more than 11,500 cases have been reported from 41 states, including 4,173 confirmed cases and more than 7,400 probable cases. The reported illnesses have led to 308 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported. Ars noted that the current total, reached by July, is already well above the 2,000 to 5,000 Cyclospora cases the U.S. has typically recorded annually in recent years.

The report also described a previously identified outbreak tied by the FDA and CDC to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. Some lettuce was served at Taco Bell locations, with linked cases identified in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Ars reported that a Taylor Farms recall removed lettuce distributed to 27 states, though the available recall information was limited for consumers.

According to Ars, the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to questions, and other outlets also reported difficulty getting details from federal agencies. The lack of public information matters because consumers and health officials cannot yet determine whether the latest cases are part of an existing lettuce-linked outbreak or stem from a separate source.