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

What the report says

PBS, carrying an Associated Press report by Laura Ungar, reported that U.S. federal health officials are examining a newly identified outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora. The report said the outbreak had reached 72 people as of Wednesday, but the Food and Drug Administration had not named any food product tied to the illnesses and had not disclosed where the cases were reported.

According to the PBS/AP report, the FDA had been asked for additional details. The newly reported investigation is separate from other cyclospora clusters under review by federal and state authorities. Earlier in the week, officials said they were still concentrating on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the likely source of a different multistate outbreak; the company had announced a recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food exposed to human feces, often through tainted water used in irrigation or washing, the report said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes the illness as causing frequent, sometimes severe diarrhea. Produce-related outbreaks can be difficult to trace because fresh foods are widely distributed and may be consumed before investigators identify a source.

PBS/AP noted basic prevention guidance, including washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before preparing food. The report also said experts advise that cooking can kill the parasite, with produce heated to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, or 70 degrees Celsius.