The Brief Federal health officials are investigating a new cyclospora outbreak after 72 people were reported sick, but the source of the infections remains unknown. The investigation comes as authorities continue to deal with a separate multistate cyclospora outbreak potentially linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak of cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes severe diarrheal illness, after 72 people were reported sick as of Wednesday. Cyclospora parasite outbreaks sickens 72 peopleThe backstory:The new investigation comes as federal officials remain focused on a separate multistate cyclospora outbreak potentially linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms. Big picture view:According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.