Investigation Underway for New Cyclospora Outbreak in the U.S.; 72 Infected
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
U.S. federal health authorities are investigating a new outbreak linked to the cyclospora parasite, which causes acute diarrhea. As of Wednesday, the outbreak has affected 72 people. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet identified which products are connected to the illnesses, nor have officials indicated where the cases are located. 'This is an active investigation, and authorities are working together to determine the specific cause of the illnesses in this group,' the Department of Health and Human Services stated in an email on Thursday. This week, federal authorities indicated they are still focused on Taylor Farms lettuce as the source of a separate outbreak affecting several states. The company announced last week the recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. Meanwhile, the Latin American country announced on Thursday that no cyclospora was detected in the lettuce or water at the Taylor Farms facility, which operates in the central state of Guanajuato. The Health Secretariat stated in a release that tests conducted by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) returned 'negative results for the detection of Cyclospora Cayetanensis and for the presence of fecal coliforms and within the physicochemical parameters according to national standards.' The study results were announced after a visit by Mexican health authorities to the Taylor Farms facility from July 18 to 20, during which ten samples of iceberg lettuce were collected: five whole samples present at the establishment and five samples of finished product, such as chopped, washed, and disinfected lettuce, according to the statement. During the visit, four water samples were also taken for microbiological and basic physicochemical determination. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, usually when agricultural products have been irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes an intestinal 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 one traced back to Taylor Farms. Food safety tips include washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. Experts note that cooking can eliminate the parasite and recommend cooking vegetables to a temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
