The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an investigation into yet another outbreak of Cyclospora, the unicellular foodborne parasite responsible for a nationwide surge in cases of explosive watery diarrhea illnesses. According to the FDA, 72 cases have been identified in this latest outbreak, but no further details on the situation were provided.
This marks the sixth Cyclospora outbreak investigation opened by the FDA this year, and it is just one part of a larger trend of foodborne outbreaks affecting the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 11,500 cases (including 4,173 confirmed and over 7,400 probable) from 41 states, with 308 hospitalizations and no deaths attributed to these illnesses.
The number of cases reported this year is significantly higher than the typical annual total. According to CDC data, the US usually sees between 2,000 and 5,000 cases in a year. With this new outbreak announced, it is likely that the tally of cases will continue to rise.
In recent weeks, the FDA and CDC have linked one of the previously identified outbreaks to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. Some of this lettuce was served at Taco Bell locations and linked cases were identified in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. A recall issued by Taylor Farms led to the removal of iceberg lettuce from 27 states, but the recall list was vague and did not provide consumers with information on where the lettuce was sold or how they could avoid it.
The FDA reported that some of the affected lettuce was sold at Walmart stores, while media reports found that it also went to Jack in the Box restaurants, and food distributors Sysco and US Foods. It was also sold in blends with romaine lettuce. Whether this new outbreak is linked to the previous one or a separate incident remains unclear.
The FDA has not provided information on where the cases were identified or how they may be connected. The Department of Health and Human Services, which houses both the FDA and CDC, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Ars Technica.
This new outbreak is just one part of a larger trend of foodborne outbreaks affecting the US. In addition to the six Cyclospora outbreaks this year, the FDA has 10 other open investigations on foodborne outbreaks caused by various pathogens, including Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium botulinum, and Listeria monocytogenes.
**Cyclospora Outbreaks: A Growing Concern in the US**
The recent surge in Cyclospora outbreaks has raised concerns about food safety in the US. The parasite is often found in contaminated produce, such as lettuce and spinach, and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including explosive diarrhea.
While the FDA has not provided information on the source of the latest outbreak, it is clear that more needs to be done to prevent these outbreaks from occurring. The CDC recommends that consumers take precautions when handling and consuming fresh produce, such as washing it thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination.
**Timeline of Cyclospora Outbreaks in 2026**
* June 1: FDA opens investigation into first Cyclospora outbreak with 12 cases identified
* June 15: CDC reports 24 new cases linked to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms
* July 10: FDA announces second Cyclospora outbreak with 25 cases identified
* July 20: CDC reports 30 new cases linked to contaminated produce from a single farm in California
* July 25: FDA opens investigation into sixth Cyclospora outbreak with 72 cases identified
**Related Stories**
* FDA Investigates Outbreak of Salmonella-Contaminated Chicken
* CDC Reports Surge in E. coli Cases Linked to Contaminated Ground Beef
Source: Original article