The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into a second outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing diarrhea. The agency reported that at least 72 people have been sickened in this latest cluster, but it has not yet identified a specific product or location linked to these cases. Officials have initiated a traceback investigation to follow the food consumed by affected individuals back to its source.

This announcement comes amid a larger, ongoing outbreak that began in May, affecting thousands across five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Health authorities have connected this earlier outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations. The implicated lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, a subsidiary of Taylor Farms based in Salinas, California. Taylor Farms de Mexico operates a facility in central Mexico.

In response, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled several products, including chopped and shredded lettuce, blends of iceberg and romaine lettuce, and salad mixes distributed to restaurants and retailers in 27 states. Despite these measures, cases continue to rise, particularly in Ohio and Michigan, where the outbreak was first identified. Michigan officials have reported more than 7,600 confirmed cases, including 160 hospitalizations. Ohio’s public health department has recorded over 1,200 cases. Additionally, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky continue to report hundreds of infections.

Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented more than 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis, with over 7,400 additional cases under investigation pending confirmation. Officials caution that the actual number of infections is likely higher, as some individuals recover without medical attention and may not be tested.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which spreads through fecal contamination of food or water. According to the CDC, person-to-person transmission does not occur. In the United States, foodborne cyclosporiasis outbreaks historically have been linked to various imported fresh produce items from Latin America, such as raspberries, cilantro, basil, snow peas, and mixed salad greens. One of the largest outbreaks in North America occurred in 1996 and was tied to imported raspberries from Guatemala, affecting over 1,400 people across 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.

Meanwhile, California has reported 41 cases of cyclosporiasis this season, but the state’s health department indicates these infections are not connected to the current outbreaks. Cyclosporiasis cases are reported in California each year, typically unrelated to specific national clusters.

Authorities continue to monitor both outbreaks as investigations proceed, emphasizing precautionary measures for consumers handling fresh produce.