In the News: Ynes Ortega

Donna Huber on July 14, 2026

Two women in a laboratory; Ynes Ortega is in focus, wearing a white lab coat and glasses, smiling at the camera, while the other works at a microscope in the background—capturing a moment of scientific discovery worthy of the news.

Photo credit: Peter Frey

Dr. Ynes Ortega’s laboratory is focused on parasites that have been associated with food- and waterborne outbreaks. Because of current practices in the production and processing of food products, there is a need for studies aimed at the dynamics of disease transmission. Ortega was part of the team that first identified Cylospora as a human pathogen in the 1990s .

Cyclospora parasite behind diarrhea outbreak is only transmitted through human feces. So how did it get into our food supply? (The Independent)

UGA Food Safety Expert Explains Cyclosporiasis and How to Reduce Your Risk (Middle Georgia CEO)

People Told To Cook Food, Make Pies To Avoid ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Outbreak (Newsweek)

UGA expert offers advice amid lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak (Dalton Daily Citizen)

UGA food safety expert explains cyclosporiasis and how to reduce your risk (The Citizen) (The Covington News)

Cyclospora cases surge as UGA expert urges caution with fresh produce (The Augusta Chronicles) (Athens Banner-Herald)