U.S. health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite

Health U.S. health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite The FDA has not yet identified which products are linked to the illnesses Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Associated PressJuly 23, 2026 Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora. The outbreak included 72 people as of Wednesday.Advertisement The Food and Drug Administration has not yet identified which products are linked to the illnesses. Officials also have not said where the cases are located. The Associated Press has asked the FDA for more information. Federal officials earlier this week said they remained focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a separate, multistate outbreak. The company last week announced it was recalling iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes intestinal illness marked by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Advertisement Federal and state health authorities have been investigating separate clusters of cyclospora illnesses, including the one traced to Taylor Farms. Food safety tips include washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t kill cyclospora, but soap and water are highly effective at doing so. — Laura Ungar FDA, infectious disease Submit a correction requestReprints Associated Press Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: European regulators take steps to bolster clinical trial transparency Health July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Popular insulin product enters shortage as other pens leave market Advertisement Breaking News July 23, 2026 Senate health panel delays vote on CDC nominee D.C. Diagnosis July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: What’s in the last-minute flurry of health care bills? The Readout July 23, 2026 FDA panel confronting peptide controversy Subscriber Picks