US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a
diarrhea-causing parasite
[July 24, 2026]
By LAURA UNGAR
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the
diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
The outbreak included 72 people as of Wednesday.
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.
“This is an active investigation, and officials are working together to
determine the specific cause of illnesses in this cluster,” the
Department of Health and Human Services said in an email Thursday.
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.
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 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. Experts say cooking can
kill the parasite and advise cooking produce to a temperature of at
least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius.)
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