FDA launches investigation into new cyclospora outbreak amid North Carolina cases
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has opened a traceback investigation into an unnamed source of a cyclospora outbreak, while North Carolina health officials examine over 560 possible cases linked to fresh herbs and lettuce.
Federal health officials announced Thursday that a new outbreak of the cyclospora parasite has been detected, though the specific food source has not yet been identified. The Food and Drug Administration said it has begun a traceback investigation to follow the product through the supply chain and determine the origin of the contamination.
"This is an active investigation," an FDA spokesperson told CBS News. "We will provide updates as they become available."
State health departments in North Carolina are investigating more than 560 cases reported since May 1 that may be associated with parsley, cilantro and lettuce. The FDA is also pursuing several other cyclospora investigations nationwide, including a previously identified outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, which prompted a voluntary recall of lettuce grown in central Mexico.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness characterized by severe diarrhea. Cooking can destroy the parasite, but washing produce alone is insufficient. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases since early May and is reviewing an additional 7,400 reports that require further analysis. State health agencies report higher numbers, with Michigan alone confirming 7,664 cases. The CDC noted that underdiagnosis likely means the actual illness count exceeds reported figures.