FDA Investigates Sixth Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Record US Cases

The Food and Drug Administration announced on Wednesday that it’s investigating yet another outbreak of Cyclospora, the unicellular foodborne parasite behind a nationwide surge in explosive watery diarrhea illnesses. The FDA said 72 cases have been identified in this outbreak, but the agency provided no details on the situation.

This announcement marks the sixth Cyclospora outbreak investigation the FDA has opened this year. Overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gotten reports of more than 11,500 cases (including 4,173 confirmed and over 7,400 probable) from 41 states. Among the cases, there have been 308 hospitalizations and no deaths.

This year’s tally so far—just in July—greatly exceeds the normal number of cases the US sees in a whole year. In recent years, the US has reported between 2,000 and 5,000 cases in a year, according to CDC data. With a new outbreak announced, the tally of cases is likely to continue climbing. Nevertheless, when asked about the national surge in cases earlier this week, anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the situation was “under control.”

Outbreak responses

Last week, the FDA and CDC announced that one of the previously identified outbreaks was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. Some of the lettuce was served at Taco Bell locations and linked cases had been identified in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Michigan alone has reported 7,664 cases and 106 hospitalizations as of July 23.

A recall Taylor Farms issued led to the removal of iceberg lettuce the company distributed to 27 states. But the recall list was vague, not providing consumers with information on where the lettuce was sold or how consumers could avoid it. The FDA reported that some of the lettuce was sold at Walmart stores, while media reports found the lettuce 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 the new outbreak the FDA identified Wednesday is ultimately from an entirely different source or linked to that outbreak remains unclear. The FDA did not provide information on where the cases were identified or how they may be linked. Similarly, it’s unclear what potential food sources are being investigated, though the FDA said a traceback investigation is underway.

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. Other outlets, including the New York Times, have also reported that the FDA and CDC did not respond to questions about the new outbreak.

Both agencies have been hit hard by budget and staffing cuts by the Trump administration. In addition to the six Cyclospora outbreaks this year, the FDA has 10 other open investigations on foodborne outbreaks, including outbreaks caused by Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium botulinum, and Listeria monocytogenes.