UNITED STATES: Federal health officials are investigating a US cyclospora outbreak involving 72 confirmed cases, but the contaminated product and affected locations remain unknown, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The investigation is one of six active cyclospora inquiries listed by federal authorities. Only one current outbreak has an identified food source.
That separate outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms, according to the source report. It has affected people across multiple states, particularly Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky.
Taylor Farms recalled shredded iceberg lettuce distributed across 27 states last week. The source report said the company did not identify every retail location where consumers could have purchased the affected products.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water exposed to human waste. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says infection can cause prolonged diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Cases typically increase between May and August. Investigations can take weeks because symptoms may not appear immediately and tracing the parasite to a specific food source remains difficult.
Read: DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Death Toll Rises to 492
Health authorities advise consumers to wash produce thoroughly, remove damaged sections and keep raw food away from potentially contaminated surfaces. Cooking food to at least 158°F, or 70°C, can kill the parasite.
